“The Worst” Begins Filming in Southern France with Expanded Ensemble Cast

Filming for the dark comedy feature “The Worst” is underway in the south of France. The production, first announced by *Variety* earlier this year, revealed an expanded ensemble that now includes Sam Claflin, Tom Hollander, Anthony Boyle, Josh Finan, Anna Maxwell Martin, Dustin Demri-Burns, Sian Clifford, Zackary Momoh, and Eka Chavleishvili. Earlier announcements had confirmed Keira Knightley, Alicia Vikander, and Erin Kellyman, bringing the total principal cast to twelve actors. Anthony Boyle replaces Jamie Dornan, who was originally attached to the project.

Variety Magazine

The film marks the feature-directorial debut of Simon Woods, an actor-turned-playwright-turned-director known for National Theatre productions such as “Hansard” and “Such a Lovely Day.” Woods also wrote the screenplay, positioning him as both writer and director for the project. His background includes acting, playwriting, and directing stage work for the National Theatre.

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Production notes describe the story as a dark-comedy satire that critiques class privilege, power, and performative morality. The narrative follows socialite Emily Fisher (Vikander) and her husband Max (Hollander) as they host an elegant couples’ getaway at a newly acquired French chateau. Among the guests are Jim (Claflin) and his partner Holly (Knightley), a struggling diversity consultant who continuously clashes with everyone until she gets a migraine, and Danny (Boyle), a quick-witted talent agent who constantly name-drops his client list. As the night progresses, hidden tensions erupt, turning the soirée into a hilariously disastrous event and placing waitress Niamh (Kellyman) at the center of the chaos.

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The film is produced by Andy Berg and John Sachs of Eclipse Films, alongside BAFTA-winner Josh Hyams of Promise Pictures. Executive producers include Frédéric Fiore, Ryan Wickers, and Andrei Kamarowsky for Logical Pictures Group; Dave Bishop, James Pugh, and George Hamilton for Protagonist Pictures; and Charles Low for Eclipse. Logical Pictures Group finances the picture and co-represents international sales together with Protagonist Pictures, while UTA Independent Film Group co-represents domestic rights. Actor representation is detailed: Keira Knightley – United Agents, Range Media Partners, Narrative, Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern; Alicia Vikander – UTA, Tapestry London, Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern; Erin Kellyman – Curtis Brown Group, CAA, Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher; Sam Claflin – Independent Talent Group, UTA, Glaser Weil; Tom Hollander – United Agents (U.K.) and Anonymous Content, WME (U.S.); Anthony Boyle – B-Side, WME, Tapestry London, Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole; Josh Finan – Insight Management & Production, Range Media Partners, Public Eye Communications; Anna Maxwell Martin – United Agents; Dustin Demri-Burns – United Agents, Linden Entertainment; Sian Clifford – United Agents, UTA, Anonymous Content; Zackary Momoh – The Artists Partnership, Entertainment 360, Hansen Jacobson et al.

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The project was launched at the European Film Market by Protagonist Pictures, Logical Pictures Group, and UTA Independent Film Group. Press materials emphasize the film’s satirical tone and its focus on exposing the contradictions of elite social circles.

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Filming continues in the French region, with post-production and sales activities coordinated by the aforementioned companies. No release schedule has been disclosed, and the film’s international distribution strategy remains under development.

Variety Magazine