Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Leos Carax Casts Jenna Ortega in Dystopian “Lily May B” Film

5/21/2026

35 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Jenna Ortega Leads

Director Leos Carax announced that Jenna Ortega will lead the dystopian road movie “Lily May B,” with filming set for spring 2027.
The story follows a girl, a young woman and a boy, each hiding a secret.
Producer Hugo Sélignac of Chi-Fou-Mi Productions is backing the film.
Ortega is represented by Creative Artists Agency, Jeff Hynick and Viewpoint.

Summary

Jenna Ortega Stars

Leos Carax will direct his first film starring Jenna Ortega, marking their inaugural collaboration.
Producer Hugo Sélignac, who previously worked on “Beating Hearts,” returns to back the project.
Industry insiders expect Carax’s trademark heightened, dreamlike visual style to dominate the film.
The plot follows a little girl, a young woman and a boy with secrets riding a motorcycle across empty cities and forests in an end-of-the-world setting.

Summary

Lily MayB Packages

Lily May B is being packaged among deals at the Cannes Film Market.
Leos Carax has directed six features since his 1984 debut, making a new project rare.
Jenna Ortega led Cathy Yan’s The Gallerist, which premiered at Sundance, adding to her credentials.
Observers say Chi-Fou-Mi Productions is using Cannes to secure financing and distribution for Lily May B, sparking buyer interest because of film’s mysterious premise and Carax’s reputation.

History

Historical Context

In 1991 Leos Carax premiered Les Amants du Pont-Neuf at Cannes, where the film’s costly production (about 100 million francs) and strong overseas sales—secured at the Cannes Film Market before 2,000 buyers—earned it worldwide distribution. The breakthrough established Carax as a marquee auteur, later winning Best Director for Annette in 2021. That legacy underpins the 2024 market pitch for Lily May B, suggesting similar buyer interest.

1 of 4

Jenna Ortega Leads

Director Leos Carax announced that Jenna Ortega will lead the dystopian road movie “Lily May B,” with filming set for spring 2027.
The story follows a girl, a young woman and a boy, each hiding a secret.
Producer Hugo Sélignac of Chi-Fou-Mi Productions is backing the film.
Ortega is represented by Creative Artists Agency, Jeff Hynick and Viewpoint.

1 / 4