Speed the Plow Movie: Anthony Mackie, Sharon Stone & Ben Mendelsohn Join David Mamet’s Hollywood Satire
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet is officially bringing Speed the Plow to the big screen. After nearly a decade in development, the highly anticipated film adaptation is moving forward with a powerhouse cast that includes Anthony Mackie, Ben Mendelsohn, Emily Alyn Lind, and Sharon Stone.
The Speed the Plow movie is scheduled to begin production on February 18, 2026, in Atlanta, marking a major moment for fans of Mamet’s sharp Hollywood satire.
David Mamet Returns to Direct Speed the Plow
Originally premiering in 1988, Speed the Plow became a Tony Award-winning Broadway hit starring Joe Mantegna, Ron Silver, and Madonna. Now, Mamet will direct the feature film version from his own screenplay.
While the film will remain rooted in the original play’s biting industry commentary, the adaptation will diverge in certain ways to expand the story for a cinematic audience.
Known for works such as Glengarry Glen Ross, The Untouchables, and Wag the Dog, Mamet has built a reputation for razor-sharp dialogue and intense character-driven storytelling — elements that made Speed the Plow a stage success and now position it for a compelling big-screen revival.
Star-Studded Cast Brings Speed the Plow to Life
The Speed the Plow film features an impressive ensemble cast:
- Anthony Mackie (Captain America: Brave New World) stars as Bob Grant, a junior executive unexpectedly elevated to head of production at the fictional American Prestige Studios.
- Ben Mendelsohn (The Dark Knight Rises) plays Charlie Fox, a seasoned studio insider who may either guide or undermine Grant’s ambitions.
- Emily Alyn Lind (We Were Liars) portrays Karen, an office temp who becomes central to the unfolding power dynamic.
- Sharon Stone (Casino) takes on the role of Gemma Speed, a volatile and unpredictable movie star.
Additional cast members include Rebecca Pidgeon as PR executive Georgia Cornchuk-Stein and Chris Bauer as a Malibu recluse.
With such established talent attached, Speed the Plow is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about literary adaptations heading into production.
What Is Speed the Plow About?
Set inside the fictional American Prestige Studios, Speed the Plow is a sharp satire that examines Hollywood’s obsession with profit, power, and influence.
At its core is Bob Grant (Mackie), a studio executive emotionally and philosophically ill-suited for overseeing commercial productions. As he navigates the pressures of his new role, he faces influence and interference from Charlie Fox, Karen, and the unpredictable Gemma Speed.
The story explores ambition, moral compromise, and the tension between artistic integrity and financial success — themes that remain highly relevant in today’s entertainment industry landscape.
Production Details and International Sales
Production on Speed the Plow will begin in Atlanta in February 2026. International sales are set to launch at the European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin, signaling strong global interest in the project.
The film is produced by Vince Jolivette and Richie Hill for Filmopoly; Tyler Payne and Douglas Riggs for Steak & Rosé; and Jiarui Guo and Anthony Short. Executive producers include Alan B. Bursteen, Dawn Bursteen, Steve and Jack Greenberg, Emily Hunter Salveson, and Angie Sanfilippo.
Who Are the Casting Directors for Speed the Plow?
Casting plays a critical role in bringing a dialogue-driven project like Speed the Plow to life.
Shelby Holt
Shelby Holt serves as one of the casting directors on the project. Holt is known for her work on hit television series including Outer Banks (2020), The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022), and The Righteous Gemstones (2019).
Her experience casting high-profile ensemble productions makes her a strong fit for a layered Hollywood satire like Speed the Plow, where character dynamics are central to the story.
Casting TaylorMade
Casting TaylorMade is also attached as a casting director for the film. With experience across film and television projects, Casting TaylorMade brings additional industry expertise and reach to the casting process.
Together, the casting team is responsible for shaping the ensemble that will carry Mamet’s iconic Hollywood satire to a new generation of audiences.
“SPEED THE PLOW” Open Casting Call
Film & TV Production Roles – “Speed The Plow”
Job Description
A film and TV production is actively casting multiple paid crew and background roles for “Speed The Plow” (STP) filming in Atlanta, GA. This casting call is seeking talent ages 18–100+ of all ethnicities to help bring a working production environment to life.
Roles include film crew types, set support, and specialty background characters for a Civil War scene. Some positions may be recurring, while others are one-day bookings. Select roles may also require wardrobe fittings prior to filming.
This is a strong opportunity for background actors and aspiring crew members looking to gain experience on a professional production set.
Job Responsibilities
- Portray realistic film crew, production staff, or specialty background characters
- Follow on-set direction from the assistant directors and department heads
- Attend fittings if required for your selected role
- Be available for scheduled filming days in Atlanta, GA
- Maintain professionalism during long production hours
Requirements
- Ages 18–100+
- All ethnicities encouraged to apply
- Open availability for filming dates
- Comfortable portraying film crew roles, PAs, set dressers, gaffers, or Civil War scene background
- Able to work as a local hire in Atlanta, GA
Compensation
- $132 for 10 hours
- Additional $40 bump if selected for a featured role
- Some roles may offer repeat work opportunities
Final Thoughts on Speed the Plow
More than three decades after its Broadway debut, Speed the Plow remains one of the most pointed explorations of Hollywood’s inner workings. With David Mamet directing and a high-profile cast attached, the upcoming film adaptation is poised to reintroduce this classic satire to modern audiences.
As production ramps up in Atlanta, industry professionals and aspiring actors alike will be watching closely for new opportunities connected to the project.
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