Aaron Paul, the Emmy-winning star of Breaking Bad, has signed on to lead the cast of The Midnight Pool, a psychological thriller helmed by James McTeigue, known for cult classics like V for Vendetta and Ninja Assassin. The film is poised to attract major attention at the upcoming Cannes Film Market, where it will be introduced by the newly launched production and sales company Stoic.
The film brings together a sharp creative team and a haunting premise that blends themes of power, secrecy, and inner turmoil — a genre space both Paul and McTeigue are well-acquainted with.
A Dark Descent into Power and Paranoia
At the heart of The Midnight Pool is a tormented investigative journalist, disillusioned with the state of the world and consumed by the need to uncover the truth. His latest obsession leads him into the heart of an elite and shadowy society—an encounter that triggers a chilling descent into a psychological abyss. As the lines between reality and paranoia begin to blur, he’s forced to confront demons both within and around him.
The screenplay is penned by Jonathan Easley, whose script landed on the 2022 Black List, a coveted annual roundup of Hollywood’s most liked unproduced screenplays. Easley’s story promises a slow-burning yet gripping thriller steeped in mystery and psychological complexity.
James McTeigue Returns to the Genre He Helped Define
With The Midnight Pool, James McTeigue returns to the cerebral thriller format that first brought him acclaim with V for Vendetta. Known for his precise visual style and tension-building mastery, McTeigue’s recent projects include Netflix’s Messiah and the home invasion thriller Breaking In. His work often explores control, surveillance, and individual rebellion — all themes expected to surface in The Midnight Pool.
This collaboration with Aaron Paul promises a potent blend of intense character work and thought-provoking tension.
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Production, Backing, and Cannes Launch
The film is being produced by Traction, McTeigue himself, and Gramercy Park Media, which is also financing the project. It marks one of the first major showcases for Stoic, a newly formed company entering the Cannes market with a bold slate of character-driven projects.
Represented for international sales by CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group, the film’s launch at Cannes suggests strong global interest and sets the stage for competitive distribution bidding.
A Promising New Chapter for Aaron Paul
For Aaron Paul, The Midnight Pool represents a return to his dramatic roots. While he’s recently expanded his range in projects like Westworld, El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie, and voice work in BoJack Horseman, this film offers a more intimate and intense platform for his talents.
Known for bringing emotional depth and raw energy to damaged characters, Paul is expected to anchor the film with a nuanced performance that delves into trauma, obsession, and moral ambiguity.
With a gripping premise, a celebrated director at the helm, and Aaron Paul in the lead, The Midnight Pool is already one of the most intriguing independent thrillers on the horizon. As it heads to Cannes, the buzz surrounding the film continues to build—signaling a potential breakout hit on the festival and sales circuit.
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