Lauren McQueen, who recently starred as Maid Marian in the MGM+ and Lionsgate series Robin Hood, is set to lead the upcoming British psychological drama Crack’d. The film’s first-look image has also been revealed.
The movie is set and shot in Liverpool and sees McQueen play Chloe, a once-promising young actress whose reality unravels within a vicious cycle of addiction, violation, and violence. Alongside McQueen, Robbie O’Neill, known for Enola Holmes 3 and Adolescence, and Jodie McNee, known for The Gathering, are also set to star in the film.
The project originates from Liverpool-based writer and director Michael J. Long, who describes Crack’d as “shifting from gritty social realism into psychological fracture.” He also said he hopes it will help lead a new era of filmmaking from his region in the north-west of England.
“The performance-led feature serves as the flagship title for a new regional movement I am spearheading: ‘The Scouse New Wave,'” he said. “Our mission is to champion raw, character-driven storytelling with a distinctly Northern, working-class perspective.”
Crack’d will be executive produced by Marc Koebernick, Michael J. Long, and AJ Jones, who is also producing and starring in the film. It is being produced by Funk Films, run by Long and Tom Sidney, in association with Zope Studios. Paddy Rowan also serves as a producer, alongside Kayleigh Ann Coleman, while Bobby Schofield and Shaun Fagan are associate producers. Ben Molyneux-Chan serves as the director of photography.
Crack’d marks Michael J. Long’s second feature following his debut, Baby Brother, which was also set in his native Liverpool. The film premiered at the 2024 Oldenburg Film Festival, where it won the Hans Ohlms Award. Crack’d is targeting an international festival premiere in early 2027.
Lauren McQueen is a British actress best known for her roles in British television and international drama series. Hailing from Liverpool, she first rose to prominence for her portrayal of Lily Drinkwell in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks. She has since transitioned into major historical and psychological dramas. McQueen is currently filming Season 2 of Robin Hood.
With Crack’d now in production, the film is expected to be an intense psychological drama that combines a strong cast with Michael J. Long’s distinctive storytelling approach. As anticipation builds ahead of its planned international festival premiere in early 2027, the project also marks another significant step for Liverpool’s emerging filmmaking scene.
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