PremiumLeave the World Behind: Mahershala Ali on board for Netflix film starring Julia Roberts
The thriller film is based on Rumaan Alam’s novel of the same name, which tells the story of a family whose holiday gets interrupted by the unexpected arrival of a couple and strange events that follow.
Last Updated: 06.55 PM, Sep 15, 2021
It’s official, Mahershala Ali of Moonlight fame has bagged a role on the upcoming Netflix thriller Leave the World Behind, alongside Julia Roberts. The news comes on the heels of previous speculations that Denzel Washington was rumoured to essay the role that Ali will portray.
According to reports in Deadline, the upcoming film adaptation of Rumaan Alam’s novel of the same name will be directed by Sam Esmail, the creator of the series Mr Robot. It will be produced under the banners of Esmail, Julia Roberts and Chad Hamilton. The upcoming film will mark the director’s collaboration with Roberts, after the Amazon Prime Video series Homecoming. However, production for Leave the World Behind is yet to begin.
Alam’s mystery novel chronicled the story of an American family whose beach house vacation goes awry when a couple knocks on their door claiming to be the actual owners of the place and demanding that they be allowed to stay there as well. Their already stressful stay is also marked by some strange mysteries that the group is forced to confront together. The 2020 book also touches upon several hard-hitting issues such as parental bonds, classism and racism, via the two couples, one black and one white. Its thrilling premise had earned its popularity from some high profile audiences, including the former US President Barack Obama.
Meanwhile, in addition to his upcoming role in Leave the World Behind, Mahershala Ali will also be seen in the film Swan Song by Apple Studios.