The cast for the upcoming Michael B. Jordan Thomas Crown Affair adaptation has expanded, adding Aubrey Plaza to a group of high-profile stars. The film, produced by Outlier Society and set to reimagine the classic heist story, continues to generate anticipation as more details emerge.
High-Profile Additions to the Star-Packed Cast
During an interview on Variety’s Awards Circuit podcast, Michael B. Jordan confirmed Aubrey Plaza, Ruth Negga, and Papa Essiedu will now share the screen with him. The group joins an ensemble that already features Adria Arjona, Lily Gladstone, and Kenneth Branagh, suggesting the film will boast significant talent and wide appeal. The characters each actor will portray have not yet been fully revealed, except for Jordan himself, who assumes the lead as Thomas Crown.
Jordan explained his intentions for this version of the story, stating,
“I didn’t want a reboot. I wanted a reimagination,”
—Michael B. Jordan, Producer and Actor. He further emphasized the film’s shift in perspective and intensity:
“The first two films were about rich white guys stealing for fun. That doesn’t land today. Ours is more personal. The stakes are higher. Still got the fashion, romance. Ruth Negga is the queen. We’ve got an incredible cast — Aubrey Plaza, Kenneth Branagh, Paapa Essiedu.”
—Michael B. Jordan, Producer and Actor.
Behind the Scenes: Creative Team and Influences
The new iteration has been penned by writers Drew Pearce and Wes Tooke, using a story crafted by Alan Trustman, who was responsible for the original movie’s script. Michael B. Jordan and Elizabeth Raposo are producing through their Outlier Society banner, with Patrick McCormick and Marc Toberoff also credited as producers. Alan Trustman returns as an executive producer, and Charles Roven is adding his experience to the project as well. These creative forces suggest a blend of legacy and modern vision for this film.
The Thomas Crown Affair: Legacy and Plot Inspirations
The Thomas Crown Affair began as a 1968 film starring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway in the lead roles, revolving around a millionaire orchestrating a daring theft and encountering an equally formidable insurance investigator. In 1999, Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo starred in a successful remake, which was described as,
“An adventure of a millionaire playboy who steals a priceless work of art and then strikes up a fiery romance with the brilliant female insurance investigator who is on to his game,”
—Description of the 1999 film.
What the Reimagined Film Could Mean for Audiences
With Michael B. Jordan leading and a cast that now includes Aubrey Plaza, Ruth Negga, and Papa Essiedu, this new vision for the story appears to move beyond the playful heists of its predecessors and toward more complex, layered stakes. Outlier Society’s involvement indicates a contemporary approach that could resonate with modern audiences. As production advances, the addition of new names and a fresh take on classic characters are adding to the anticipation surrounding the Michael B. Jordan Thomas Crown Affair project, setting audience expectations for a stylish, high-stakes reimagining of a cinematic classic.
