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Get ready for an unexpected but exciting duo! Legendary actor Robert De Niro and Gen Z breakout star Jenna Ortega are coming together for an upcoming drama called Shutout, directed by David O. Russell. According to Variety, the screenplay is written by Alejandro Adams, and the film is being produced by Russell himself, along with Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum from RK Films.
If Russell’s name rings a bell, it should — he’s the mastermind behind critically acclaimed hits like American Hustle and The Fighter. Add two-time Oscar winner Robert De Niro to the mix — whose recent work includes The Irishman and Killers of the Flower Moon — and this film already screams prestige.
Then there’s Jenna Ortega, who’s quickly become one of the most recognizable faces of Gen Z. She shot to superstardom with her role in Wednesday on Netflix, and just last year, she took on another iconic role in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice as Winona Ryder’s on-screen daughter.
Shutout is making its big debut at the Cannes Film Market, where it’s being introduced to international buyers — and it’s safe to say there’s a lot of buzz.
The film centers around Jake Kejeune (played by De Niro), an old-school pool hustler — one of the last of a dying breed. He’s lived life on the edge, surviving off quick games and the unpredictable bounce of a ball. But everything changes when he crosses paths with Mia (played by Ortega), a young, scrappy, and insanely talented newcomer to the game.
Jake sees something rare in Mia — raw talent and fire that reminds him of his younger self. He takes her under his wing, mentoring her and helping to shape her natural gift into something unstoppable. Together, they become a force to be reckoned with in the underground world of high-stakes pool.
But the story isn’t just about mentorship and wins. As Mia’s confidence and hunger for success grow, Jake starts to wonder: is he guiding her toward greatness… or feeding a dangerous ambition that could destroy everything?
Speaking on behalf of RK Films, producer Joe Roth said they’re thrilled to bring this project to life with such an incredible cast and crew. “We’re especially excited to see Jenna Ortega step into the spotlight alongside these two cinematic icons,” he said — and honestly, so are we.