The upcoming film explores the intense dynamics between an Olympic gymnast and her coach
Category: Arts & Culture
Warner Bros. is set to roll cameras this fall on *Nasty*, a drama featuring Jenna Ortega and Oscar nominee Rose Byrne, as seen in a trending post on r/movies. The film, directed by Mary Bronstein, follows a young gymnast battling for a spot on the Olympic team, facing her greatest opponent—her own coach.
*Nasty* is based on a screenplay by Isabella Jarosz, which was featured on the 2024 Black List, marking Jarosz’s first script sale. The film reunites Bronstein and Byrne, who previously collaborated on *If I Had Legs I’d Kick You*, a project that earned Byrne her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Production is set to begin under Warner Bros.' new indie label, Clockwork, which was launched this year and is headed by former Neon CMO Christian Parkes.
The narrative of *Nasty* centers around a talented gymnast, Dylan, whose ambitions are tested not just by her competitors but significantly by her demanding coach. The film promises to explore themes of ambition, power, and the personal struggles athletes face in elite sports. As Ortega and Byrne tackle these complex roles, the film is expected to resonate with audiences familiar with the pressures of competitive sports.
Jenna Ortega, known for her role as Wednesday Addams in Netflix’s hit series *Wednesday*, has received multiple nominations for her performances, including Best Actress Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. She is also recognized for her work in *Scream* and *Scream VI*, as well as her role in the box office success *Beetlejuice Beetlejuice*, which grossed over $452 million worldwide.
Rose Byrne brings a wealth of experience to the project, with notable performances in films such as *Bridesmaids*, *Spy*, and *Neighbors*. Her recent work in *If I Had Legs I’d Kick You* has been critically acclaimed, earning her a BAFTA and a Critics Choice Best Actress nomination. Byrne has also received Emmy nominations for her roles in *Damages* and *Mrs. America*, and she starred in Apple TV’s *Physical* and *Platonic*.
Production companies involved in *Nasty* include Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap Entertainment, which is known for producing hits like *Barbie* and *Saltburn*. LuckyChap is also behind several upcoming projects, including *The Brigands of Rattlecreek*, a western featuring a star-studded cast, and *Oceans*, a prequel to the *Ocean’s 11* franchise.
As filming for *Nasty* is scheduled to commence this fall, anticipation builds for what will likely be a gripping sports drama. The film's release date has yet to be announced, but with its strong creative team and a story centered on the intense dynamics of competitive gymnastics, it is expected to be one of Warner Bros.' notable upcoming releases.
In addition to *Nasty*, Ortega is set to appear in *Klara and the Sun*, an adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel directed by Taika Waititi, which is also slated for release this fall. Meanwhile, Byrne continues to build her impressive filmography, following her recent acclaim.
With both actresses at the forefront of this new project, *Nasty* aims to capture the challenges faced by athletes, particularly the psychological battles that occur off the mat. As audiences await this film, the collaboration between Ortega and Byrne is sure to generate considerable interest in the film industry.
As production gets underway, fans of both actresses and sports dramas alike can look forward to seeing how *Nasty* brings to life the struggles and triumphs of an Olympic hopeful.
This article is grounded in a discussion trending on Reddit. Claims from the original post and comments may not reflect independently verified reporting.