Armando Iannucci’s conspiracy thriller brings together James McAvoy, Alicia Vikander and Taron Egerton ahead of AFM 2026. Get the latest film details.
The filmmaker behind Veep and The Death of Stalin is taking on a conspiracy thriller, and three major actors are coming along.
Armando Iannucci will write and direct an untitled film starring James McAvoy, Oscar winner Alicia Vikander and Taron Egerton. The project is heading to the American Film Market (AFM) in November, where FilmNation and UTA will handle sales.
The new film marks the first collaboration between Iannucci and all three actors.
Plot details remain secret, with the project described only as a conspiracy thriller. That leaves one question hanging over the announcement: What happens when a filmmaker known for exposing political absurdity turns his attention to conspiracy?
Armando Iannucci Takes on a Conspiracy Thriller
Iannucci has spent much of his career examining how powerful people behave when their judgment fails.
His political comedy In the Loop earned an Academy Award nomination for adapted screenplay. The Death of Stalin turned a struggle for political power into a dark comedy. His HBO series Veep, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, earned him two Emmy Awards and two Writers Guild of America Awards.
A conspiracy thriller could give Iannucci a different way to explore similar subjects, although the filmmakers have not confirmed whether the new project will contain his familiar political satire.
No character descriptions, setting or detailed synopsis have been released.
James McAvoy, Alicia Vikander and Taron Egerton Join the Cast
The cast brings together three actors with experience across major studio releases and independent films.
James McAvoy is known for playing the younger Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise, along with performances in Atonement, Split, Glass and Speak No Evil.
McAvoy also recently made his feature directorial debut with California Schemin’, in which he stars.
Alicia Vikander won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for The Danish Girl. Her credits include Ex Machina and the recent Korean science fiction film Hope.
Taron Egerton earned an Emmy nomination for his performance in Apple’s Black Bird. He also portrayed Elton John in Rocketman and led the Kingsman films.
The three actors have never worked with Iannucci before, according to the initial announcement.
Their specific roles in the conspiracy thriller have not been disclosed.
Kevin Loader Reunites With Iannucci
BAFTA-winning producer Kevin Loader is attached to produce the film.
Loader has an established working relationship with Iannucci, having produced In the Loop, The Death of Stalin and The Personal History of David Copperfield, as well as the HBO series Avenue 5.
The partnership gives the new project a producing team familiar with Iannucci’s approach to filmmaking.
FilmNation also previously worked with Loader and Iannucci on The Personal History of David Copperfield.
FilmNation and UTA Bring the Project to AFM 2026
The untitled conspiracy thriller will be presented to international buyers ahead of the American Film Market, which runs November 10 to 15, 2026, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.
FilmNation and UTA are handling sales.
For international distributors, a project with recognizable stars, an established director and a returning producer offers a package that can be evaluated before a film reaches theaters.
The arrangement is similar to selling the blueprint before the building is finished. Buyers can assess the talent and commercial potential, even while details about the finished film remain unknown.
The announcement does not establish whether financing has closed, distribution agreements have been signed or a production start date has been secured.
A budget and release date have also not been disclosed.
For now, the confirmed combination of Iannucci, McAvoy, Vikander and Egerton gives the project its identity. The story itself remains a secret.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Armando Iannucci’s new movie about?
The film is described as a conspiracy thriller. Its full plot, setting and character details have not been announced.
Who stars in Armando Iannucci’s conspiracy thriller?
James McAvoy, Alicia Vikander and Taron Egerton are attached to star. Their character roles have not yet been disclosed.
Who is producing the new Armando Iannucci film?
Kevin Loader is producing. He previously worked with Iannucci on In the Loop, The Death of Stalin and The Personal History of David Copperfield.
When will the movie be released?
No release date has been announced. The project’s international sales campaign is launching ahead of AFM 2026.
Which companies are handling international sales?
FilmNation and UTA are representing the project for sales ahead of the American Film Market in November 2026.
