Full Breakdown
'Tomorrow Is a Drag' Marks Kenneth Lonergan's Return to Directing at Cannes Market
5/16/2026, 11:57:22 PM
Cannes Market Spotlight: Core Project Details
“Tomorrow Is a Drag” is being presented as a highly anticipated project at the 2026 Cannes market. The film is written and directed by Oscar-winning screenwriter Kenneth Lonergan, marking his first directorial effort since “Manchester by the Sea.” The announced cast includes Aubrey Plaza, Adam Driver, Vanessa Kirby, and Matthew Broderick. Production is scheduled to begin in the fall in New York.
Background: Lonergan’s Recent Directorial Record
Lonergan’s last film as director, “Manchester by the Sea,” earned Casey Affleck an Oscar for Best Actor, secured the Academy Award for Original Screenplay, and received a nomination for Best Director. Earlier works such as “Margaret” and his debut “You Can Count on Me” established his reputation for blending humor with character-driven drama. He also collaborated with Adam Driver on the Off-Broadway play “Hold On to Me Darling” and with Matthew Broderick on “Margaret,” “You Can Count on Me,” and the stage piece “The Starry Messenger.”
Key Cast and Creative Team
Aubrey Plaza is noted for roles in “The Thomas Crown Affair,” “Ingrid Goes West,” and “The White Lotus.” Adam Driver’s recent credits include the “Star Wars” franchise, “Paper Tiger,” and “Marriage Story.” Vanessa Kirby is known for the “Mission: Impossible” franchise, “Pieces of a Woman,” and “The Crown.” Matthew Broderick’s résumé includes “Manchester by the Sea” and “The Producers.” Producer Sara Murphy, an Oscar winner for Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” is producing under her Fat City banner.
Production and Sales Representation
International sales for “Tomorrow Is a Drag” are being handled by MK2 Films, while North American representation is provided by WME. The film’s production timeline places principal photography in New York during the upcoming fall season.
Market Context: MK2 Films at Cannes
MK2 Films is active at Cannes with a slate of eleven features in the official selection, five of which are in competition: Marie Kreutzer’s “Gentle Monster,” Léa Mysius’ “The Birthday Party,” Andrey Zvyagintsev’s “Minotaur,” Ira Sachs’ “The Man I Love,” and Koji Fukada’s “Nagi Notes.” The project is described as one of the hottest projects hitting the Cannes market this year.
Timeline: From Market Announcement to Production
- May 2026: “Tomorrow Is a Drag” announced at Cannes market.
- Fall 2026: Commencement of principal photography in New York.
Implications for the Contemporary Film Landscape
The project reunites Lonergan with collaborators from his earlier films and stage work, while pairing him with a cast that includes actors known for both independent cinema and major franchises. Its representation by MK2 Films for international sales and by WME for North America aligns with its presence at the Cannes market, where it joins a slate of eleven MK2 features. Lonergan’s prior Oscar-winning film “Manchester by the Sea” and the cast’s notable recent work are highlighted in the project's description.