Exciting times lie ahead for fans of prestige television and sharp-witted satire. Jesse Armstrong—the Emmy-winning creator behind HBO’s critically acclaimed series Succession—is officially stepping into feature filmmaking with his first original movie for HBO, slated to premiere in Spring 2026. And if the star-studded cast is any indication, this film is already shaping up to be one of next year’s most anticipated releases.
Armstrong has tapped comedy legend Steve Carell (The Office, Foxcatcher), indie favorite Jason Schwartzman (Asteroid City, Rushmore), Golden Globe nominee Ramy Youssef (Ramy, Poor Things), and Gotham standout Cory Michael Smith to lead the ensemble. It’s a dynamic blend of talent that promises to deliver Armstrong’s trademark blend of biting humor and nuanced character work.
What We Know About the Project (So Far)
While HBO is keeping tight-lipped about plot specifics, early reports describe the film as following a group of billionaire friends navigating a cascading international crisis. Given Armstrong’s track record of skewering the ultra-wealthy and power-hungry elites in Succession, fans can likely expect another razor-sharp, satirical dissection of wealth, privilege, and moral compromise.
Armstrong, who first gained recognition for co-creating Peep Show and writing In the Loop (which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2010), has a unique ability to blend comedy with drama, peeling back the human flaws behind powerful figures. Succession became a cultural touchstone for its brutal dialogue and complex characters, winning multiple Emmys and spawning countless memes and think pieces about the toxic dynamics of wealth and family.
A Cast That Signals Serious Intent
Casting Steve Carell hints at Armstrong’s potential to explore darker territory. Though widely known for his comedic chops, Carell’s performances in dramatic roles like Foxcatcher, The Morning Show, and Beautiful Boy have showcased his range and ability to inhabit morally complex characters. Ramy Youssef, meanwhile, brings his sharp, introspective humor and social commentary from his award-winning Hulu series Ramy, and his recent role in Poor Things further cements his dramatic credentials.
Jason Schwartzman, a Wes Anderson regular, is known for his quirky, cerebral characters, which makes him an ideal fit for Armstrong’s dialogue-heavy scripts. Cory Michael Smith has impressed in both TV (Gotham) and film (May December), often portraying characters with deep emotional and psychological layers.
Armstrong’s Next Chapter with HBO
This film marks Armstrong’s continued collaboration with HBO, a network synonymous with prestige television. Following the conclusion of Succession in 2023, many fans have been eager to see what Armstrong does next. His ability to create cultural moments and conversations around media is unparalleled; Succession wasn’t just a TV show—it was a lens through which people examined real-world power structures and media dynasties like the Murdochs and Redstones.
With production now underway in Park City, Utah, Armstrong’s feature debut is poised to continue his exploration of wealth and power, but on a global scale and within the cinematic format.
Why It Matters
In an era where streaming platforms are fighting for attention, HBO’s investment in Armstrong’s feature debut signals a commitment to storytelling that challenges, provokes, and entertains. Given the success of HBO films like Bad Education and The Wizard of Lies, which offered gripping portraits of financial misconduct and moral decay, Armstrong’s film fits squarely within a tradition of prestige projects aimed at sophisticated audiences.
As Spring 2026 approaches, expect more details to emerge about Armstrong’s latest project. For now, one thing’s clear: if you loved Succession for its razor-sharp wit, morally bankrupt billionaires, and family betrayals, Armstrong’s new film will be unmissable.
Key Takeaways
- Jesse Armstrong is directing his first feature film for HBO with a star-studded cast including Steve Carell and Jason Schwartzman.
- The “Succession” creator will both write and direct the movie, expanding his creative partnership with HBO.
- The film represents a new artistic direction for Armstrong and will showcase the talents of its impressive ensemble cast.
Project Overview and Collaborators
Jesse Armstrong, the creative mind behind HBO’s hit series “Succession,” is making his feature directorial debut with a new HBO original film. The project has assembled an impressive cast of talent and continues Armstrong’s exploration of power dynamics and social commentary.
Synopsis and Themes
While specific plot details remain under wraps, the upcoming film is expected to showcase Armstrong’s signature style of examining power structures, ambition, and modern greed. Based on Armstrong’s previous work with “Succession,” viewers can anticipate sharp social commentary and a critical lens on contemporary issues.
The timing of this project is particularly notable, coming after the conclusion of “Succession” which garnered critical acclaim for its portrayal of wealth, family dynamics, and corporate power struggles.
Industry insiders suggest the film may address themes of financial crisis and destruction similar to Armstrong’s previous works, but with a fresh perspective. The project represents HBO’s continued investment in Armstrong’s unique storytelling abilities.
Casting Revealed
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast led by comedy veteran Steve Carell, “The Grand Budapest Hotel” star Jason Schwartzman, “Mr. Robot” actor Cory Michael Smith, and comedian-actor Ramy Youssef. This diverse collection of performers brings various strengths to the production.
Carell, known for his range in both comedic and dramatic roles, will likely serve as a centerpiece for the film. Schwartzman brings his distinctive indie sensibility, while Youssef adds his unique perspective as seen in his self-titled Hulu series.
The casting choices suggest a blend of comedy and drama, consistent with Armstrong’s previous work. The film is currently in development at HBO, with production details still emerging.
Production and Release Details
Production on Jesse Armstrong’s untitled HBO film is currently underway in Park City, Utah. The project marks Armstrong’s feature directorial debut and is set to premiere later this spring on HBO in the US and Sky in the UK.
Behind the Scenes
Filming for Armstrong’s debut feature began in March 2025, with Park City, Utah serving as the primary location. HBO hasn’t released many details about the production budget or specific filming timeline.
The creative team behind the movie remains somewhat mysterious, with producers not yet publicly announced. Armstrong, best known as the creator of HBO’s critically acclaimed series “Succession,” is both writing and directing this film.
This project represents a significant shift for Armstrong as he transitions from television to feature films. His background includes writing for popular shows like “Veep,” giving him strong comedy credentials that likely helped attract the star-studded cast.
Anticipated Reception
Industry insiders expect Armstrong’s directorial debut to generate substantial buzz given his track record with “Succession” and the impressive cast assembled. Steve Carell’s involvement particularly stands out, as the actor has successfully transitioned from comedy roles in “The Office” to more serious dramatic work.
No trailer has been released yet, but HBO typically begins promotional efforts 2-3 months before premiere. The film’s spring release suggests HBO may be positioning it for early awards consideration.
The project’s tone remains unclear – whether it will lean toward Armstrong’s signature blend of drama and dark comedy or venture into new territory. Jason Schwartzman and Ramy Youssef’s involvement hints at a potential mix of comedic and dramatic elements.
Critics will likely compare this work to Armstrong’s previous successes, creating high expectations for his first feature film.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jesse Armstrong’s HBO feature has created buzz with its star-studded cast and spring 2025 release window. The film marks Armstrong’s transition from TV to movie directing after his success with “Succession.”
What is the plot of Jesse Armstrong’s upcoming feature on HBO featuring Steve Carell, Ramy Youssef, and Jason Schwartzman?
Details about the plot of Jesse Armstrong’s HBO feature remain scarce. The untitled project has kept its storyline under wraps, with no official synopsis released to the public yet.
The film is highly anticipated due to Armstrong’s reputation as the creator of the critically acclaimed series “Succession.” His storytelling style typically involves sharp dialogue and complex character dynamics.
Who are the leading cast members of Jesse Armstrong’s new HBO project, and what roles are they playing?
The leading cast includes Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman, Ramy Youssef, and Cory Michael Smith. These accomplished actors bring impressive credentials to the project.
Specific character details and roles have not been announced publicly. The combination of comedic and dramatic actors suggests the film may blend genres, similar to Armstrong’s previous work.
When will Jesse Armstrong’s HBO feature with Steve Carell, Ramy Youssef, and Jason Schwartzman be released?
The film is scheduled to premiere in spring 2025. It will be available on HBO in the United States and Sky in the United Kingdom.
No exact release date has been announced beyond this general timeframe. The spring window suggests the film may be positioned for potential festival consideration.
What is the production timeline for Jesse Armstrong’s HBO film, and are there any noteworthy production details available?
Production on the untitled feature was set to begin in Utah in March 2025. The film appears to be moving quickly from production to release with only a few months between filming and premiere.
Utah’s diverse landscapes offer various filming environments, from desert settings to mountain regions. No additional production details like budget or technical specifications have been shared publicly.
Has HBO released any promotional material or trailers for the Jesse Armstrong movie starring Steve Carell, Ramy Youssef, and Jason Schwartzman?
No trailers or promotional materials have been released for Armstrong’s HBO feature as of March 2025. The project is still in early production stages.
Promotional content will likely be released closer to the film’s spring premiere date. HBO typically begins marketing campaigns a few months before release.
Will Jesse Armstrong’s feature for HBO with Steve Carell, Ramy Youssef, and Jason Schwartzman be available for streaming, or is it scheduled for a theatrical release?
The film is confirmed to be an HBO Original Film, meaning it will premiere on the HBO platform in the US. In the UK, it will be available through Sky.
There has been no announcement regarding a theatrical release. As an HBO production, the primary distribution channel appears to be streaming, following HBO’s typical release strategy for original films.
