Matthew Modine’s ‘The Splendid Thing’ Gathers International Stars for Cannes Market Launch

The Splendid Thing is an upcoming feature that mixes romantic comedy, drama and fantasy. It is written by Matthew Modine and Stephen Wallis, directed by Modine, and will star Modine as novelist Declan King alongside Liam Neeson and John Cleese. Hyde Park International is presenting the film at the Cannes Market. Production is led by producers Natalie Marciano and Orian Williams, with executive producers Ashok Amritraj, Priya Amritraj and James Steele. Principal photography is slated to begin in Italy in late August 2026. Neeson is represented by CAA, Cleese by Anonymous Content, and Modine by Untitled Entertainment.

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The story follows Declan King, a celebrated novelist whose recent personal loss stalls his writing. Sent on a European book-signing tour, he encounters characters from his past novels who materialize in his world. Liam Neeson appears as a Great Gatsby-esque figure who injures King in a hospital altercation, while John Cleese plays a priest who also serves as the Grim Reaper. The film blends surreal fantasy with romantic-comedy beats, evoking the tone of *It’s a Wonderful Life* and *Everything Everywhere All At Once*. The narrative explores the blurred line between reality and fiction, reflecting the protagonist’s creative crisis.

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Modine said he is thrilled by the story’s emotional response and the ensemble cast, calling the film a phantasmic, comical tale filmed in Italy. Carl Clifton of Hyde Park International described the script as heart-warming, poignant and often hilarious, noting its resonance with classic and contemporary genre-blending movies.

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The film was introduced at the Cannes Market. Principal photography is set for late August 2026 in Italy, with further casting discussions ongoing as the project proceeds.

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• “I’m absolutely thrilled by the emotional reaction to this story and how it has led us to our incredible ensemble of actors,” — Matthew Modine, Actor-Director

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• “The fantastic cast assembled for The Splendid Thing is a testament to this heart-warming, poignant, and often hilarious script. Playing with notions of reality and fiction, it brings to mind so many beloved movies, from classics like It’s a Wonderful Life to Everything Everywhere All At Once.” — Carl Clifton, Hyde Park International

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• “The Splendid Thing” will see Modine play Declan King, a celebrated novelist who has lost his focus and has been struggling to complete his latest novel since his wife left him.” — Variety

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• “Among them are Neeson as a Great Gatsby-esque type who puts Declan in the hospital after a punch-up and Cleese as a priest who also doubles as the Grim Reaper.” — Variety

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