The upcoming comedic thriller The Dregs is bolstering its cast with a formidable lineup of talent, including Stephen Lang, known for his iconic role in the Avatar franchise, and Shohreh Aghdashloo, the Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning actress of House of Sand and Fog. The additions of Piper Curda, Maddie Phillips, Max Lloyd-Jones, and Charlie Gillespie signal a broadening scope for the project, which recently wrapped principal photography in the Italian Alps. This ensemble joins Emmy-nominated Baby Reindeer breakout Nava Mau, alongside previously announced stars Benjamin Norris, Marta Pozzan, Maria Grazia Cucinotta, and Zach Tinker.
The Dregs centers on a group of friends whose idyllic trip to the Italian Alps takes a dark and unexpected turn after they unwittingly consume a bottle of cursed Grappa. The film, directed by Connor Martin in his feature debut, promises a blend of humor and suspense as the characters grapple with the consequences of their fateful drink. The project marks a significant step for Martin, who as well penned the screenplay. The story’s setting, the picturesque yet potentially perilous Italian Alps, adds a layer of atmospheric tension to the unfolding narrative.
Stephen Lang as the Source of the Curse
Stephen Lang will portray the film’s antagonist, described as a reclusive and embittered Alpine waiter. His character’s connection to the cursed Grappa runs deep, as the recipe for the potent spirit has been passed down through generations of his family, intertwined with alchemy and witchcraft. Deadline first reported the casting additions, highlighting Lang’s pivotal role in setting the film’s sinister events in motion.
Lang’s extensive career includes memorable performances in action and science fiction films, most notably as Colonel Miles Quaritch in James Cameron’s Avatar and its sequels. He’s also known for his roles in Don’t Breathe and Manhunt: Unabomber, demonstrating a range that extends beyond action to encompass complex and often morally ambiguous characters. Aghdashloo, meanwhile, brings a gravitas honed over decades in film and television, including her acclaimed work in The Expanse and Star Trek Beyond.
Expanding the Ensemble Cast
Beyond Lang and Aghdashloo, The Dregs is welcoming a wave of rising talent. Piper Curda, known for her work in Hoppers and various Disney Channel productions, joins the cast alongside Maddie Phillips, who recently appeared in the popular series Gen V. Max Lloyd-Jones, recognized for his role in Final Destination Bloodlines, and Charlie Gillespie, of Splitsville fame, round out the key additions.
Further expanding the ensemble are David Goren (California Schemin’), Desiree Staples (My Divorce Party), Evan Bittencourt (Sugar), Kheon Clarke (SkyMed), Fletcher Donovan (Love Hard), Quinnie Vu (Fire Country), and Mike Stern (Mid-Century). Stern also serves as a producer through his company, Astral Plane, alongside Yasir Anwar, Marco Allegri, and Tinker. The collaborative production effort underscores the film’s ambition and the collective vision driving the project.
Production Details and Creative Team
The film’s production is a complex undertaking, involving a substantial list of executive producers including Zach Tinker, Martin Metz, Jacory Gums, Maurice Antonio, Andrew Etzel, Roland Hoch, Elizabeth Mozilo, Joel Michaely, and Desiree Staples, alongside MYRA Productions. Co-producers Marta Pozzan and Jeremy O’Keefe, along with associate producers Gillespie, Bittencourt, Ron Rogell, and Jean-Yves Thibaudet, contribute to the film’s logistical and creative execution. Casting was handled by O’Keefe and Tina Marie McCulloch.
The production team has assembled a diverse group of individuals, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and a broad range of perspectives. The combination of established actors like Lang and Aghdashloo with emerging talents like Curda and Phillips suggests a deliberate effort to appeal to a wide audience. The film’s Italian setting, coupled with its blend of comedy and thriller elements, positions it as a potentially unique offering in the current cinematic landscape.
Representatives for the actors confirmed their involvement in the project. Lang is represented by Innovative. Aghdashloo by CAA, The Artists Partnership, and Round Table Entertainment; Curda by Prototype Talent, Curtis Talent Management, Zoom Talent, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman; Phillips by CAA, Trisko Talent Management, Artists First, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman; Lloyd-Jones by CESD and Webster Talent Management; and Gillespie by Vanderwerff Talent, David Dean Management, and Meyer & Downs.
As The Dregs moves into post-production, audiences can anticipate further updates regarding its release date and distribution plans. The film’s intriguing premise and impressive cast suggest a promising addition to the comedic thriller genre. The next confirmed step will be the release of a first look image or trailer, expected in the coming months, offering a glimpse into the film’s tone and visual style.
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