Full Breakdown
Sandra Oh in Talks to Join Matt Damon in Daniels’ Secret Universal Event Film
6/18/2026, 3:13:00 AM
Untitled Daniels Event Film: Core Details
The Daniels—directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert—are producing an untitled, secret “event” film for Universal Pictures. Matt Damon leads after Ryan Gosling exited the project in April 2026. Sandra Oh is in talks to co-star. Production is set for summer 2026 in Los Angeles, with a theatrical release slated for November 2027. The film is produced by Kwan, Scheinert and Jonathan Wang through Playgrounds, under an overall deal with Universal.
Background: Daniels’ Recent Success and Universal Deal
The Daniels earned global acclaim with *Everything Everywhere All at Once* (2022), winning seven Oscars—including Best Picture and Best Director—at the 95th Oscars in 2023. Their follow-up *The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist* opened at Focus Features in March 2024, leading to an overall Playgrounds-Universal production deal for the untitled event film.
Key Figures & Production Team
Directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (“the Daniels”) lead the film, with producer Jonathan Wang. Universal’s Sara Scott and Jacqueline Garell are overseeing it. Matt Damon, who replaced Ryan Gosling in May 2026, headlines opposite Sandra Oh—known for *Grey’s Anatomy*, *Good Fortune*, *Invincible* and *The Sympathizer*—who is represented by UTA, Principal Entertainment, Untitled Entertainment and attorney Jason Hendler.
Development Timeline
- 2023-2026 – Daniels develop the secret event film for roughly three years.
- March 2026 – Ryan Gosling announced for a supporting role as a teen’s father.
- April 2026 – Gosling exits the project due to scheduling conflicts.
- May 2026 – Matt Damon replaces Gosling as the lead.
- June 2026 – Sandra Oh enters talks to co-star opposite Damon.
- Summer 2026 – Production slated to begin in Los Angeles.
- Nov 2027 – Film scheduled for theatrical release (Nov 19 per sources 1-2; Nov 29 per source 3).
Impact and Industry Significance
The film’s secret status, the Daniels’ Oscar-winning reputation, and the involvement of high-profile talent such as Damon and Oh make it a notable upcoming Universal release. The described blend of global-warming themes, time travel and a superhero angle suggests a multi-genre narrative.
Official Statements & Responses
Universal’s Executive Vice President of Production Development Sara Scott and Director of Production Development Jacqueline Garell are overseeing the Daniels’ new project for the studio.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact release date, citing November 19, 2027 (sources 1-2) versus November 29, 2027 (source 3). Reports also vary on the timing of Ryan Gosling’s attachment and departure, and no official confirmation of Oh’s casting has been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “involving global warming, time travel, as well as a possible superhero angle. And there are two timelines, one set in the 1980s and one set in present day. The protagonists of the story are teens…at least in the 1980s-set timeline,” — The Hollywood Reporter
What’s Next
Production is expected to commence in Los Angeles this summer. The film remains slated for a November 2027 theatrical debut.
