Hollywood star Jesse Eisenberg has revealed that his latest film, The Debut, is inspired by musical theatre because "it's the world I know." The 43-year-old actor, known for roles in Zombieland and Now You See Me, as well as an Oscar-nominated portrayal of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg in The Social Network, wrote and directed the project.
A Personal Story of Finding Community
Speaking to the Press Association ahead of the film's UK premiere at the BFI London Film Festival, Eisenberg explained the movie's central theme. "The movie is about a very shy woman who finds her family and her home and her voice in the world of musical theatre – but it could have been anything," he said. "I write it about musical theatre because it's the world I know, and it's the same thing that happened to me. For some people who are so in need of something, almost anything can fill that hole."
The musical-comedy stars Julianne Moore as a housewife who becomes obsessed with her role in a local community theatre musical, falling under the influence of domineering director Jerry, played by Paul Giamatti.
Praise for Cast and Process
Discussing his directing approach, Eisenberg said, "I love anybody who is working hard and doing their own process. In my last movie, Kieran Culkin was the lead and he was not sleeping at night. That's his thing. That's what he does, and he was amazing." He also praised the stars of The Debut, noting, "They work really hard, but they don't tell you about it. They're not the kind of people who go on set and tell you how hard they've worked, they just come and do a great job and you trust they're doing whatever they need."
Moore, known for her Oscar-winning role in Still Alice, also spoke to PA about the film's importance. "She finds community for the first time," the US actress said. "She finds a place where she belongs, and she finds it through her own creative journey. It's this wonderful thing to find yourself and find other people – because really that's where we thrive, in relationship to others."
The Debut is scheduled for release in UK cinemas on January 15, 2027.
