Miles Teller and Scarlett Johansson have officially joined the cast of James Gray’s upcoming film “Paper Tiger,” stepping in to replace Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Strong, who exited the project due to scheduling conflicts. Production is set to begin next month in New Jersey, where the cast, including Adam Driver, will bring to life Gray’s tense and gritty thriller. This casting marks a notable reunion for Johansson and Driver, whose previous collaboration in “Marriage Story” earned them both Academy Award nominations. The decision to bring Miles Teller into a leading role injects a fresh dynamic into the project, the intrigue heightened by the caliber of talent surrounding him.
Written and directed by James Gray, “Paper Tiger” unravels the harrowing journey of two brothers striving towards the American dream. As they become embroiled in a scheme that initially seems promising, the situation quickly dissolves into danger as the brothers and their family face terror at the hands of the Russian “Mafiya.” The story promises to explore themes of betrayal and fractured loyalty, with suspense at the core, as Gray’s narrative pits hope against relentless risk in a landscape rife with corruption and violence.
Rodrigo Teixeira of RT Features and Anthony Katagas of AK Productions will serve as producers, with additional producing partners including Raffaella Leone, Gary Farkas, Marco Perego, Carlo Salem, and Andrea Bucko. Executive producers on the project are Lee Broda, Jeff Rice, Riccardo Maddalosso, and Emily Salveson, ensuring substantial industry backing. Vincent Maraval and Kim Fox’s The Veterans are managing international sales rights, while CAA Media Finance oversees North American distribution. With negotiations and sales actively underway at the Cannes market, “Paper Tiger” is emerging as a highly anticipated addition to the slate of upcoming thrillers.
Scarlett Johansson, renowned for her roles in “Lost in Translation,” “Jojo Rabbit,” and Marvel’s “Avengers” franchise, is about to appear at the Cannes Film Festival for Wes Anderson’s “The Phoenician Scheme,” as well as her directorial debut, “Eleanor the Great.” Her recent accolades and projects have maintained her status as a leading figure in the film industry.
Miles Teller, known for standout performances in “Top Gun: Maverick,” “Whiplash,” and “The Spectacular Now,” continues to expand his diverse portfolio. He recently completed roles in Lionsgate’s Michael Jackson biopic “Michael” and A24’s “Eternity,” and is set to appear in Greg Kwedar’s “Possum Song” and Paul Downs Colaizzo’s “Winter Games.” Teller’s casting in “Paper Tiger” further cements his standing as one of Hollywood’s versatile actors, as his presence is expected to bring a compelling intensity to the film’s conflict-driven narrative.
With production commencing soon in New Jersey and a cast led by Miles Teller and Scarlett Johansson, expectations for “Paper Tiger” are steadily intensifying. The combination of Gray’s directorial vision and the actors’ proven chemistry positions the film as a potential breakout thriller. As sales continue at Cannes and industry anticipation mounts, audiences and critics alike are watching closely to see how this dynamic cast, particularly Miles Teller, will bring Gray’s gritty world to life when “Paper Tiger” arrives onscreen.
