Full Breakdown
Cate Blanchett, Selena Gomez Join Brady Corbet’s Ambitious New Film
5/21/2026, 12:44:33 AM
Cannes Masterclass Reveal
At Cannes on Sunday, Cate Blanchett announced she is “about to work with Brady Corbet on a film.” Variety confirmed Selena Gomez and Michael Fassbender also join the cast. The project, slated for summer shooting, is untitled in some reports and called “The Origin of the World” in others.
Background & Context
Brady Corbet, Oscar-nominated for “The Brutalist,” previously directed “The Childhood of a Leader” (2015) and “Vox Lux” (2018). He describes his next film as “genre-defying,” X-rated/NC-17, and centered on the 1970s, marking a shift toward explicit adult themes.
Key Figures & Groups
Director: Brady Corbet.
Cast: Cate Blanchett (two-time Oscar winner), Selena Gomez (pop star and Cannes-award-winning actress), Michael Fassbender (her “Black Bag” co-star).
Producer: Andrew Morrison of Kaplan Morrison.
Production Details & Statistics
Corbet disclosed a 200-page script, longer than his 165-page “The Brutalist.” The story spans 150 years, focusing on the 1970s, and is expected to run about four hours. It will be shot on rare eight-perf 65 mm film. The 200-page script suggests a screen time well beyond his previous three-and-a-half-hour “The Brutalist,” underscoring the project’s ambition. The project will be Corbet’s fourth feature film.
Significance & Potential Impact
The film pairs explicit content with an epic scope, uses 65 mm format, and features a star-studded cast, all of which may attract awards attention. The film’s four-hour length aligns with Corbet’s previous long-form storytelling.
Official Statements & Responses
Corbet called the project “genre-defying” and highlighted its historical breadth. Blanchett’s off-the-record Cannes comment confirmed her involvement; representatives for both Blanchett and Gomez declined further comment.
Criticism & Opposition
No organized opposition has emerged, but observers note that a four-hour X-rated runtime could limit theatrical distribution and complicate rating-board approvals, while streaming platforms may be hesitant about the length and explicitness.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Title: Variety lists the project as untitled; World of Reel calls it “The Origin of the World.”
- Rating: Sources cite “X-rated” or “NC-17.”
- Runtime: Estimates range from four to four-and-a-half hours.
- Distribution: No details on a distributor or release window have been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “about to work with Brady Corbet on a film.” — Cate Blanchett, Actress (Cannes masterclass)
- “The film spans from the 19th century into the present day — it’s just predominantly focused on the ’70s.” — Brady Corbet, Director
- “The film is really, really genre-defying,” he told the Hollywood Reporter.” — Brady Corbet, Director
- “The Origin of the World.” — Working title referenced at Cannes
What's Next
Production is expected to begin summer 2026. Corbet has hinted at a Cannes premiere, suggesting a 2027 festival debut, though exact release dates remain undisclosed.
