Writer-director Jesse Eisenberg will close the 70th BFI London Film Festival on October 18, 2026, with the U.K. premiere of his musical comedy The Debut. Starring Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti, the film will screen at the Royal Festival Hall before a scheduled U.S. release on December 11.
The 70th edition of the BFI London Film Festival, running from October 7 to 18, has selected Eisenberg’s latest project to bring down the curtain. This marks a return to the festival for the filmmaker, who previously screened his Oscar-nominated and BAFTA-winning film A Real Pain in 2024.
Community Theatre and Casting in The Debut
The film centers on Mona, a shy woman played by Julianne Moore, who finds herself unexpectedly cast in a local production of an original musical. The narrative follows her descent into the high-stakes world of this community theatre production
under the influence of a strong-willed and enigmatic director, portrayed by Paul Giamatti.
Beyond the lead pair, the production features an expansive ensemble including Halle Bailey, Havana Rose Liu, Bernadette Peters, Colton Ryan, Lilli Cooper, Maulik Pancholy, and Bonnie Milligan. The technical side of the production is rounded out by cinematography from Drew Daniels and choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler.
Eisenberg’s involvement extends beyond directing and acting. According to Digital Spy, he wrote original songs for the film in collaboration with executive music producer Bill Sherman and music supervisor Steven Gizicki.
The Closing Night Gala at Royal Festival Hall
The U.K. premiere is scheduled for October 18 at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall. Eisenberg and his cast are expected to attend the red carpet event. This gala serves as the finale for a festival that begins on October 7 with the European premiere of Elsinore, a drama starring Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman.
“I am both honored and honoured to be bringing ‘The Debut’ to the 70th BFI London Film Festival. What a wonderful thrill to be the closing night gala, and I can’t wait to share the incredible performances by the cast with a London audience.”
Jesse Eisenberg, Writer/Director
Kristy Matheson, the BFI London Film Festival artistic director, described the project as a deliriously funny and heartfelt film
with a brilliantly sharp script
.
Global Release Timeline and Distribution
The road to a wide release begins in September, with The Debut making its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival during the September 10-20 window.
- United States: A24 has set a theatrical launch for December 11, 2026.
- United Kingdom and Ireland: Lionsgate will release the film in cinemas on January 15, 2027.
Production Partners and Career Momentum
The film’s production side sees Eisenberg working alongside producers Emma Stone, Ali Herting, and Dave McCary. This project follows a period of significant critical recognition for Eisenberg.
BFI London Film Festival Logistics
The 70th edition of the festival expands its reach beyond the Southbank Centre. While the Royal Festival Hall remains the gala venue, the event will utilize ten venues across the U.K., including Belfast’s Queen’s Film Theatre, Edinburgh’s Filmhouse, and Nottingham’s Broadway Cinema. Screenings are also planned for the BFI IMAX and four partner cinemas in London’s West End.
The full festival program is expected to be revealed on September 2.
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