Jesse Eisenberg is gearing up for his third feature as a director, an untitled musical backed by A24 that is drawn from his own script. The project, which has not yet been given a title, pairs Eisenberg with a high-wattage ensemble that includes Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti, with Eisenberg also in the cast. Halle Bailey, Bernadette Peters, and Maulik Pancholy are among the supporting players.
The film is set in the high-stakes world of community theater and follows a shy woman who unexpectedly lands a role in a local original musical. The project marks Eisenberg’s continued foray into intimate, character-driven storytelling that blends humor and drama through a musical lens.
A test screening on the East Coast drew enthusiastic responses from audiences. One viewer described the movie as a musical driven by Moore’s portrayal of a painfully awkward housewife who dives into acting classes and even takes a job as the superintendent of an apartment building, a performance that consumes her with surprising intensity. The early appreciation extended to Giamatti, who evinces strong chemistry with Moore as her mentor, while Eisenberg appears in a brief on-screen turn. Cinematography by Drew Daniels and a score by Emile Mosseri were also singled out as standout elements, contributing to a vibe that mixes whimsy with darker tonal shifts, in a fashion some compared to Woody Allen’s Everyone Says I Love You.
The untitled musical is expected to arrive in theaters in 2026 and could be a candidate for a Sundance premiere, continuing Eisenberg’s tradition of debuting his projects at the festival.
Why this matters: The collaboration brings together a seasoned cast with a director known for intimate storytelling and a musical setting, signaling a potentially distinctive backstage comedy-drama that blends old-fashioned sensibilities with contemporary humor. A24’s backing adds momentum and signals a commitment to prestige indie projects that aim to stand out in a crowded market.
Possible positives to watch for include Moore’s performance as a central at-the-ramps-from-awkward-to-driven character, Giamatti’s mentorship dynamic, and the film’s musical integration, which could offer a fresh entry in the indie musical subgenre. If the project lands at Sundance, it could generate early awards-season chatter and broaden Eisenberg’s directorial profile.
Summary: An untitled third feature from Jesse Eisenberg, a musical backed by A24 and led by Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti, is in the works with a 2026 release window and potential Sundance premiere, promising a witty, character-driven backstage drama with strong supporting performances.