In September, A24 added the sci-fi thriller “Hotel Hotel Hotel Hotel” to its growing slate after a competitive bidding process. The film, helmed by Michael Shanks—who also penned the script that made it onto the 2021 Black List—promises to deliver a mind-bending narrative as it features a protagonist trapped in a surreal hotel room, where his only chance of escape lies in collaborating with himself.
The project recently secured a significant achievement with the announcement that acclaimed actor Daniel Kaluuya will take on the lead role. This development marks Kaluuya’s return to the screen after a hiatus, as he has not starred in a film since his appearance in Jordan Peele’s “Nope” in 2022. Kaluuya’s involvement adds considerable weight to the production, given his reputation as a dynamic performer known for memorable roles in films like “Get Out,” “Black Panther,” and “Judas and the Black Messiah,” the latter of which earned him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Michael Shanks gained notable recognition earlier this year with “Together,” a film that enjoyed popularity at the Sundance Film Festival, resulting in strong reviews and a distribution deal with Neon. The film amassed an impressive $32 million at the global box office following its summer release.
Kaluuya’s absence from the silver screen had sparked curiosity, with many speculating about the reasons behind his four-year hiatus. Among more humorous theories was the idea that he had been influenced by a personal “life strategist,” humorously referred to as “Heir Holiness.” This individual, described on Instagram as “a spiritual gangster serving a life sentence in a human body,” was said to have caused Kaluuya to face various challenges on set, leading to concerns about his behavior and even placing him on certain industry blacklists.
However, with the departure from this supposed life strategist, Kaluuya is poised to reestablish his presence in the film industry. In addition to “Hotel Hotel Hotel Hotel,” he is set to appear in a supporting role in Chris Rock’s upcoming project “Misty Green,” further solidifying his return to acting. This resurgence is undoubtedly an exciting development for fans eager to see more from the talented actor.