Hold onto your designer shades, darlings — A24 just dropped the kind of casting announcement that makes even jaded industry veterans sit up and take notice. Jeremy Allen White and Austin Butler are joining forces in “Enemies,” a gritty crime drama that’s already got Hollywood’s group chats buzzing with speculation.
The project’s $25 million price tag might seem modest by 2025’s inflated standards, but don’t let that fool you. Henry Dunham — that deliciously enigmatic director who gave us “The Standoff at Sparrow Creek” — is taking the helm. He’s both writing and directing, which, honestly? Perfect. His knack for building tension could turn this cat-and-mouse thriller into something extraordinary.
Chicago’s getting another close-up, sweeties. The Windy City (already practically Jeremy Allen White’s second home after “The Bear”) will host this dangerous dance when cameras start rolling this summer. Something about those moody streets just screams noir, doesn’t it?
Let’s talk about our leading men — because, really, how could we not? White’s been absolutely everywhere lately, serving that brooding intensity that’s become his calling card. Between wrapping “The Iron Claw” and prepping for his turn as The Boss in “Deliver Me From Nowhere,” he’s barely had time to catch his breath. Meanwhile, Butler (still riding that “Dune Part 2” wave) keeps proving he’s more than just pretty face and killer Elvis moves. His work in “The Bikeriders” and that buzz-worthy appearance at Cannes for “Eddington” has only cemented his status as Hollywood’s newest golden boy.
Behind the scenes? Honey, it’s a dream team that reads like an indie film lover’s fantasy lineup. Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen’s Square Peg banner is producing alongside A24, with Alejandro De Leon joining the party and Josh Bachove taking executive producer duties.
What’s got everyone’s tongues wagging is the electric potential between these two leads. White brings this raw, vulnerable energy that’s impossible to fake, while Butler’s got this chameleon-like ability to disappear into roles. Put them together? Explosive doesn’t begin to cover it.
A24’s involvement feels like the cherry on top of this particularly sophisticated sundae. They’re not exactly known for playing it safe — remember how they turned multiverse-hopping laundromat owners into Oscar gold? “Enemies” seems poised to continue their tradition of pushing boundaries while keeping one foot firmly planted in accessible storytelling.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. White’s about to remind everyone why they fell in love with him when “The Bear” drops its newest season, and Butler’s recent choices have proven he’s got range for days. In an industry that’s becoming increasingly reliant on franchise films and reboots, “Enemies” feels like a breath of fresh air — albeit one tinged with gunpowder and tension.
Mark your calendars, darlings. This one’s got “instant classic” written all over it.
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