Chris Hemsworth, known for his roles in Thor and Mad Max, has been cast alongside Taron Egerton and Zazie Beetz in the New York-based crime film Kockroach. The project, produced by Andrew Lazar of American Sniper fame, centers on a mysterious figure who rises to become a dominant crime boss in a city ruled by power.
Hemsworth steps in for Channing Tatum, who exited the production owing to scheduling conflicts. Filming is scheduled to begin in April, with the movie described as having a tone reminiscent of iconic gangster films like Goodfellas and Scarface.
Storyline and Creative Team Behind Kockroach
Kockroach is adapted from the novel by William Lashner and follows the transformation of a stranger as he commands the New York underworld, asserting his influence in a ruthless environment. The description reads:
Kockroach is the story of a mysterious stranger who takes on New York’s criminal underworld, transforming himself into a larger-than-life crime boss in a city where power is everything.
Matt Ross, known for directing Captain Fantastic, is helming the film and revising the screenplay originally written by Jonathan Ames, who also co-wrote You Were Never Really Here. Producers include Christina Weiss Lurie, recognized for Persuasion, alongside Andrew Lazar.
Production Details and Notable Crew Members
The movie boasts an experienced team with Colin Gibson, the Oscar-winning production designer from Mad Max: Fury Road, leading the visual design. Cinematographer Adam Arkapaw, whose work includes The Order and True Detective, is providing the film’s cinematography. Jonathan Dearing, a visual effects supervisor known for M3gan and The Invisible Man, is managing the VFX.
International rights for Kockroach will be sold by Black Bear at the upcoming European Film Market, with CAA Media Finance and Range Select handling domestic representation.
Upcoming Projects for Chris Hemsworth and Film Industry Context
Chris Hemsworth has several projects lined up, including Amazon MGM’s crime-thriller Crime 101, the Russo brothers’ Avengers: Doomsday, and another Amazon action film, Subversion. He is represented by CAA and Greenberg Glusker. The addition of Hemsworth to Kockroach raises anticipation given his track record and the talent involved in the film’s production.
