Christian Slater to Star in Father of Us — A Heartfelt Family Drama from First Class Pictures
Golden Globe winner Christian Slater (Mr. Robot) is set to star in Father of Us, a touching new film inspired by a true story about love, family, and the complexities that bind them together. The film is gearing up to start production this October in Toronto, Canada, and will be introduced to distributors during the TIFF Market.
About “Father of Us”
Set in 1968 suburbia, Father of Us follows five siblings caught between their magnetic yet reckless father and their radiant but overwhelmed mother. The story is based on the real-life experiences of Bob Olson and his family — a bittersweet portrait of how love and imperfection define family bonds.
Cast and Creative Team
Christian Slater will portray Bob Olson, the adored but flawed patriarch at the center of this emotional story. The film is directed by Suzanne Coote and Matt Angel (The Wrath of Becky), with a screenplay written by Carol Olson Coote, the daughter of the real-life Bob Olson.
This makes Father of Us a three-generation family collaboration, bringing authenticity and intimacy to the project.
Produced by Industry Veterans
Father of Us is produced by Michael G. Nathanson (L.A. Confidential, A Time to Kill) and Chris K. Daniels through their new banner, First Class Pictures. This marks the first project under their partnership.
Nathanson, the former President of MGM Pictures, has also held leadership roles at Columbia Pictures, OddLot, and New Regency, while Daniels is best known for leading The Launch Company.
International Film Trust (IFT), led by Christian de Gallegos, will handle worldwide distribution and introduce the film to buyers during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
Casting Directors for Father of Us
The casting process for Father of Us is being led by Melissa Kostenbauder, a respected casting director known for her exceptional work on major television and film projects.
Melissa Kostenbauder’s recent credits include:
- The Studio (2025)
- Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (2022)
- Tokyo Vice (2022)
Her extensive experience in casting both ensemble dramas and stylized period pieces makes her a perfect fit for Father of Us, which blends heartfelt storytelling with rich, character-driven performances.
Kostenbauder’s approach focuses on authenticity and emotional depth — qualities that will help bring the film’s 1960s family dynamic vividly to life.
As Father of Us prepares to start filming, fans and actors alike can look forward to seeing how her casting choices bring this true story to the screen.
A Story Close to Home
Co-directors Suzanne Coote and Matt Angel shared in a joint statement:
“This is a true story about family — our family. We’ve been given the opportunity to dive into their childhoods and explore the moments that shaped the people we know and love today. It’s both terrifying and deeply special as filmmakers.”
Producer Michael G. Nathanson added:
“This is exactly the kind of emotionally resonant storytelling we want to champion at First Class Pictures. Carol has crafted a screenplay that finds profound beauty in life’s messiest moments, and Christian brings exactly the complexity this role demands.”
Filming and What’s Next
Filming for Father of Us is scheduled to begin in October 2025 in Toronto, Canada. With its powerful themes, talented team, and family-driven story, this film is shaping up to be one of the most emotionally rich projects of the upcoming year.
Want to Audition for Father of Us?
If you’re interested in auditioning or being part of Father of Us, stay tuned to Project Casting. We’ll keep you updated as soon as casting calls and job opportunities for this production become available.
