The Boysactress Aya Cash is the latest name to join the cast of upcoming political dramaReykjavík. Cash rose to prominence in the role of white supremacist supe Stormfront on Prime Video’s hit comic book adaptation, and is set to reprise her role inThe Boysprequel seriesVought Rising. The movie, which also starsThe Newsroomactor Jeff Daniels as Ronald Reagan, will focus on a critical Reykjavík Summit between the US and the Soviet Union during the height of the Cold War in 1986, and how its consequences shaped the world.
PerVariety, Cash is set to play the role of a young journalist who is tasked with covering the summit. The film will also feature Hope Davis as Nancy Reagan, Jared Harris as Mikhail Gorbachev, Branka Katic as Raisa Gorbachev, and Oscar-winner J.K. Simmons as Secretary of State George Shultz. Filming is set to begin on location in Reykjavík this week, with one location being Höfði House, the site of the real-life summit. The movie will be written and directed by debutant Michael Russell Gunn, who will also co-produce alongside John Logan Pierson, 2521 Entertainment, and SK Global.
What This Casting Update Means for Reykjavík’s Chances of Success
The Movie Boasts A Strong Cast, But Is Its Subject Matter Too Weighty?
When tackling heavy subject matter, especially involving political tensions, it’s important to have a strong cast who can do the heavy lifting. There is no question thatReykjavíkboasts an impressive ensemble cast, with multiple accolades and nominations among them. Daniels is no stranger to political drama, with starring turns in political-oriented shows includingThe Newsroom,The Comey Rule, and thelimited seriesA Man In Full. Cash has experience via her role as Stormfront, whilst Simmons and Davis have appeared inThe West WingandSuccession,respectively.
Much of the success of the movie will depend on the budget, release date, and its ability to balance historical authenticity with engaging storytelling.
The cast clearly has the background and pedigree to tackle the topic at hand, but there is a danger that much of the subject matter and political chicanery could prove weighty for audiences. Much of the success of the movie will depend on the budget, release date, and its ability to balance historical authenticity with engaging storytelling. Thesuccess of politically charged dystopian thrillerCivil Warmay yet show there is an appetite for movies of this nature, althoughReykjavíkis likely to focus less on action, and more on strategic movies behind closed doors, in the corridors of power.
Our Verdict On Reykjavik’s Ensemble Cast
Sensible Casting Choices Should Make For An Authentic Experience
The ensemble cast features a combination of experience and youthful exuberance, and this could be the perfect match for the movie. The casting choices have been sensible, with Daniels and Simmons being two of the most pre-eminent character actors in the industry, whilst Harris brings gravitas to the role, and Katic provides some European flair. I think that political dramas can struggle if they cast stars who are too iconic, and it seems thatReykjavikis looking to steer clear of this problem by casting talented performers to tell its story effectively.
