Cailee Spaeny And Drew Starkey To Star In A24’s ‘Deep Cuts’ Adaptation From Sean Durkin
A24 is once again making major waves in Hollywood. Civil War breakout Cailee Spaeny and Queer standout Drew Starkey are set to lead the studio’s adaptation of Holly Brickley’s bestselling novel Deep Cuts, with acclaimed filmmaker Sean Durkin writing and directing.
As buzz builds around the project, fans are already speculating whether the emotional tone will lean heartfelt, nostalgic, or even slightly Funny Strange in its portrayal of messy twentysomething ambition. One thing is certain: this film is shaping up to be one of A24’s most anticipated productions.
Production is scheduled to begin in February 2026.
What Is ‘Deep Cuts’ About?
Set in the 2000s, Deep Cuts follows two music-obsessed twentysomethings navigating love, ambition, belonging, and adulthood over the course of an era-defining decade.
The story explores creative drive, complicated romance, and the emotional turbulence of chasing artistic dreams. With music woven into the heart of the narrative, the film promises a layered, character-driven experience that aligns perfectly with A24’s signature storytelling style.
A Major Casting Shift
The adaptation was originally set to star Saoirse Ronan and Austin Butler. However, scheduling conflicts led both actors to exit the project. A24 quickly pivoted to Spaeny and Starkey — two of the industry’s busiest and fastest-rising young talents.
The move reflects A24’s confidence in a new generation of leading performers.
Original Music by Blake Mills
Adding even more depth to the project, Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer Blake Mills will create original music for the film. Mills recently earned his third nomination for Producer of the Year, making him an ideal collaborator for a music-centered love story.
Producing Team Behind the Film
The film brings together a strong production team, including:
- Eli Bush
- Ronald Bronstein
- Josh Safdie
- Sean Durkin
- Anthony Katagas
- Jordan Tappis
- A24
Holly Brickley will serve as executive producer on the adaptation of her novel.
Released on February 25, 2025, Deep Cuts received major recognition, including:
- Indie Next Pick
- Apple Debut Pick
- Today Spring Pick
- Bookseller’s Book of the Month
- People Best New Book
- Barnes & Noble Best New Book
- Amazon Best Book of the Year Discovery Read
Cailee Spaeny: Becoming an A24 Favorite
Spaeny continues to build a strong relationship with A24. Deep Cuts will mark her fourth leading role with the studio, following standout performances in:
- Civil War
- Priscilla (Golden Globe nomination and Venice Film Festival Best Actress win)
She is also set to star in the upcoming season of Netflix’s Emmy-winning Beef alongside Charles Melton, Oscar Isaac, and Carey Mulligan.
Outside of A24, Spaeny recently appeared in:
- Alien: Romulus
- Wake Up Dead Man, the latest installment in the Knives Out franchise
Drew Starkey’s Breakout Momentum
Starkey earned widespread critical praise for his role in A24’s Queer, further solidifying his place among Hollywood’s rising stars.
He will next appear in:
- Apple’s series Lucky with Anya Taylor-Joy
- King Snake, directed by Jeff Nichols and co-starring Margaret Qualley and Michael Shannon
With Deep Cuts, Starkey steps firmly into leading-man territory.
Who Are the Casting Directors for ‘Deep Cuts’?
Casting plays a crucial role in shaping a film like Deep Cuts, particularly one rooted in emotionally layered performances and music culture.
One of the casting companies attached to the project is Grant Wilfley Casting.
Grant Wilfley Casting is a highly respected New York–based casting office known for its extensive work in film and television. The company has contributed to numerous major studio productions and independent films, particularly in casting background performers and supporting roles.
Their involvement suggests that Deep Cuts will assemble a carefully curated ensemble to bring authenticity to its 2000s-era setting.
As production approaches, additional casting announcements and opportunities may follow.
“Funny Strange” Starring Cailee Spaeny & Drew Starkey Open Casting Call
Indie Rock Audience Types for Major Feature Film “Funny Strange”
Job Description
A major feature film starring Cailee Spaeny and Drew Starkey is now casting background actors to portray an indie rock audience at a live music venue in New York City. This movie casting call is seeking men and women, ages 20s to 30s, of all ethnicities, who fit authentic NYC indie scene vibes.
Set in 2003, the scene will feature crowd dancing and concert atmosphere energy at an indie rock/pop music show. Casting directors are looking for cool, expressive personalities who can bring real concert energy to screen. Water-based atmospheric smoke will be used during filming.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray concertgoers at an indie rock music venue
- Dance and react naturally in crowd scenes
- Follow direction from assistant directors during staged performance scenes
- Be available for the tentative shoot date in NYC
Requirements
- Men and women, 20s–30s age range
- All ethnicities encouraged to apply
- Must be local to New York City
- Comfortable working in a crowd concert environment
- Available for tentative shoot date Tuesday, 2/24
- Provide recent photo, contact information, and union status
- Must be able to present valid identification for employment paperwork
Compensation
- SAG-AFTRA BG Rate: $224 for 8 hours
- Non-SAG Rate: $187 for 10 hours
- Paid background role under SAG-AFTRA CBA
Final Thoughts
With Sean Durkin directing, original music from Blake Mills, and two rising stars leading the cast, Deep Cuts is shaping up to be a defining romantic drama of the decade.
The combination of literary acclaim, strong production backing, and A24’s signature storytelling makes this adaptation one to watch closely.
Ready to Book Your Next Role?
Major projects like Deep Cuts highlight how quickly new opportunities move in the entertainment industry.
If you’re looking for film auditions, background roles, or casting opportunities, now is the time to stay prepared.
Visit and explore Project Casting and discover the latest casting calls today.
