Get ready for a heartwarming holiday tale! The star-studded upcoming comedy-drama, *Last Night At The Lobster*, is set to feature a remarkable ensemble cast, including Wagner Moura (known for *Narcos*), Sofia Carson (*Purple Hearts*), Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry (*Causeway*), and Emmy winner Elisabeth Moss (*The Handmaid’s Tale*). Moura will also be directing the film.
Bankside Films is gearing up to launch international sales for this highly anticipated project ahead of the American Film Market, while WME Independent will handle North American rights.
Based on the critically acclaimed novel by Stuart O’Nan, and brought to the screen by the talented writing team of Carlo Bernard, Doug Miro, Jane Anderson, and Eboni Booth, *Last Night At The Lobster* is poised for a thrilling journey from page to screen. Currently in its pre-production phase, filming is slated to commence early next year.
This film marks Moura’s sophomore feature film endeavor since his 2019 success with *Marighella*.
Moura has also proven his directorial prowess with episodes of *Narcos: Mexico*, and boasts an impressive acting career with roles in notable films like *Civil War*, *Narcos*, and *Elite Squad*.
Prepare for a story steeped in festive spirit and poignant human connection: *Last Night At The Lobster* centers on Manny, the manager of a chain seafood restaurant facing closure a week before Christmas. Tasked with choosing who to take to the next location, Manny and his team find themselves snowed in by a blizzard, leading to a memorable last night at their beloved eatery.
Bringing this heartwarming story to life is a powerhouse production team led by Peter Saraf and Eddie Rubin of Optimistic Pictures, the acclaimed producers behind award-winning films such as *The Farewell*, *Loving*, and *Little Miss Sunshine*.
“I feel like I’ve been preparing for this moment for the last thirty years,” Moura shared enthusiastically. “From the moment I first read *Last Night At The Lobster*, I recognized its potential as a timeless holiday classic. It captures the warmth and poignancy we expect from holiday films, while also paying homage to the rich cinematic tradition of stories about the working class, a genre that has deeply influenced me since my childhood in Brazil.”
Peter Saraf added, “Wagner’s talent, coupled with this exceptional cast, will undoubtedly bring Stewart O’Nan’s brilliant novel to life in a truly unique and captivating film. We believe it has all the ingredients to become a cherished holiday favorite, enjoyed by audiences year after year.”
Stephen Kelliher of Bankside Films enthused: “We were instantly captivated by *Last Night At The Lobster*. It’s a fresh take on a beloved holiday theme, celebrating the human spirit, compassion, and love with an abundance of joy. We believe its appeal will resonate with audiences around the world, making it a seasonal tradition for years to come.”
Interview: Time.news Editor with Director and Star Wagner Moura
Editor: Welcome, Wagner! It’s fantastic to have you here today to talk about Last Night At The Lobster. This film sounds like it’s going to be an incredible journey. Can you start by sharing what initially drew you to direct this adaptation?
Wagner Moura: Thank you for having me! What attracted me to Last Night At The Lobster was the beautiful narrative of human connection during a time that can feel both magical and stressful. It’s about a group of people facing the struggles of closure, both literally with their restaurant and metaphorically in their lives. This resonates deeply with the shared human experience, especially during the holidays.
Editor: Absolutely, the holiday season often brings out those strong emotions. Given the star-studded ensemble you have, including talented actors like Sofia Carson and Brian Tyree Henry, how did you go about assembling such a remarkable cast?
Wagner: It was vital for me to find actors who not only have incredible talent but also bring their own unique perspectives to the characters. Each of them embodies a different facet of the story. Sofia brings youthful optimism, Brian adds depth and authenticity, and of course, Elisabeth Moss carries an extraordinary range of emotions. We created a collaborative environment where we could explore our characters together.
Editor: That sounds like a fantastic approach! The film is based on a critically acclaimed novel by Stuart O’Nan. How did the writing team adapt the story for the screen while maintaining the essence of the original material?
Wagner Moura: The writing team, which consists of Carlo Bernard, Doug Miro, Jane Anderson, and Eboni Booth, has done an exceptional job in preserving the novel’s emotional core while translating it to screen. They understood the subtleties of the characters and the setting, which allowed them to enhance the themes of love, loss, and redemption that are so prominent in the original work. It’s almost a love letter to the source material.
Editor: Given that this is your sophomore feature film as a director, how has your experience with Marighella influenced your approach to Last Night At The Lobster?
Wagner: Marighella was a monumental experience for me, both as an actor and director. It taught me about the intricacies of storytelling and the importance of staying true to my vision. With Last Night At The Lobster, I want to create a more intimate and relatable atmosphere. The charm of a small restaurant during the holidays provides a comfortable backdrop for finely tuned character interactions.
Editor: And speaking of the setting, the film is centered around a restaurant facing closure just before Christmas. Can you elaborate on the themes of hope and community that run through the story?
Wagner: The restaurant acts as a microcosm of life, bringing together a diverse group of individuals who often wouldn’t find themselves together. As they navigate the storm—both literally and metaphorically—they reveal their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately their bonds. This captures the spirit of community, reminding us that even in the toughest times, we can find joy and connection in each other.
Editor: That’s incredibly inspiring. As filming is set to commence early next year, what do you hope audiences will take away from this heartwarming holiday tale?
Wagner: I hope they walk away with a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Life is about moments—some joyous, some painful—but all meaningful. Last Night At The Lobster encourages us to cherish those moments and the people we share them with. If it sparks conversation and contemplation about our own connections, I will be thrilled.
Editor: Thank you, Wagner, for sharing your insights today! We can’t wait to see Last Night At The Lobster come to life on screen.
Wagner Moura: Thank you! I’m excited for everyone to experience this journey with us.