Production is currently underway for the romantic drama Next Life, which stars Emilia Clarke, best known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen on HBO’s Game of Thrones; Edgar Ramirez, recognized for his performance in Emilia Perez; and Jack Farthing, notable for his role in Spencer. Written and directed by Drake Doremus, acclaimed for Like Crazy, the film weaves an intriguing story about love, choices, and alternate realities.
Next Life explores the life of Ivy, portrayed by Clarke, who finds herself amid parallel universes where her experiences differ drastically, all set against the backdrop of the vibrant London jazz scene. This innovative premise promises to captivate audiences as it delves deep not only at the heart of romance but also at the concept of ‘what if,’ challenging viewers to think about the choices they make.
Elika Portnoy from Mutressa, Gleb Fetisov from Fetisoff Illusion, and Ben Pugh and Kate Buckley from 42 are producing alongside Doremus. John Palfery Smith is also attached as a producer. According to reports, production is expected to wrap by the end of December, with CAA Media Finance handling the worldwide rights.
Clarke, who has received multiple nominations for her reel work on Game of Thrones, is set to lead Peacock's upcoming espionage thriller Ponies, demonstrating her versatility within different genres. Recently, she completed work on Amazon's limited series Criminal, alongside Charlie Hunnam and Adria Arjona. She also features prominently in the award-winning film The Pod Generation, where she starred opposite Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Meanwhile, Ramirez is currently captivating audiences with his lead role in Emilia Perez, directed by Jacques Audiard for Netflix. He is also set to star alongside Oscar nominee Samuel L. Jackson in the new action-comedy The Honest Liar, showcasing his continuing ascent within the film industry. Notably, Ramirez earned acclaim for his role as Gianni Versace in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, which garnered him both Golden Globe and Emmy nominations.
Jack Farthing is no stranger to significant roles either, featuring prominently in Oscar-nominated projects like Spencer and The Lost Daughter. Farthing’s reach within the television sector highlights not only his talent as the primary antagonist on Poldark but also his ability to lead on various platforms, including Rain Dogs, earning him an Independent Spirit Award nomination.
Doremus draws attention not only for his directing prowess but also for his storytelling abilities. His work includes the critically lauded films Breathe and Equals, along with Newness, highlighting the evolution of romance through modern lenses. His previous work established him as someone who can masterfully capture the essence of human emotion, making him the ideal choice for Next Life.
Producers Portnoy, Fetisov, Pugh, and Buckley, alongside Doremus and Smith, are collaborating on the project under the auspices of their respective production companies, signaling the industry’s excitement for the film. 42, the UK-US production house represented by Pugh, has undergone significant structural changes this year following the departure of co-founder Rory Aitken, with Pugh stepping up as president of production.
With filming currently taking place on location in London and expected to finish before the year closes, audiences eagerly anticipate the film’s first trailer and subsequent release date. Next Life potentially promises to be not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, as it delves deep within the explores of love across dimensions.
With Clarke, Ramirez, and Farthing joining forces under Doremus’s vision, the project sets the stage for what could become one of the standout films of the upcoming cinematic season. Each actor brings their unique talent and past experience to Next Life, building anticipation for their performances and the film’s overall reception.
