Tiffany Haddish to Star in Upcoming Horror-Thriller 'The Lesson'

The film from producer JoJo Ryder will also feature Rosario Dawson.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Actress Tiffany Haddish has been cast in the lead role of the upcoming horror-thriller film "The Lesson". The movie, produced by JoJo Ryder, follows a devoted teacher whose death sparks a series of haunting events for his former students. Haddish and Rosario Dawson are set to star in the film, which is scheduled to begin production in Los Angeles in 2026.

Why it matters

Tiffany Haddish is a popular and acclaimed comedic actress who has recently been expanding into more dramatic roles. Her involvement in "The Lesson" alongside Rosario Dawson suggests the film will have both commercial appeal and artistic substance, blending horror and psychological thriller elements.

The details

In "The Lesson", Haddish will play a devoted teacher whose death sets off a chain of events that haunt his former students, forcing them to confront their past. The script was written by producer JoJo Ryder, who is also set to direct the film. Ryder expressed excitement over Haddish and Dawson's involvement, stating that their "intensity, range, and a fearless presence" will elevate every scene.

  • The Lesson is scheduled to begin filming in Los Angeles in 2026.

The players

Tiffany Haddish

An American comedian and actress known for her roles in films such as Girls Trip and The Kitchen.

Rosario Dawson

An American actress known for her roles in films like Sin City, Rent, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

JoJo Ryder

An American film producer and screenwriter, known for her work on projects like American Heist and The Bachelor.

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What they’re saying

“What drew me to The Lesson was how layered it is. It's not just horror — it's about choices, consequences, and the things we think we can walk away from. Audiences are in for something unexpected.”

— Tiffany Haddish (Deadline)

“I'm thrilled to have Tiffany and Rosario join The Lesson. They bring intensity, range, and a fearless presence that elevates every scene. This story demands emotional depth as much as suspense, and they deliver both.”

— JoJo Ryder, Producer and Director (Deadline)

What’s next

Additional casting for The Lesson is currently underway, and the film is scheduled to begin production in Los Angeles in 2026.

The takeaway

Tiffany Haddish's involvement in the upcoming horror-thriller "The Lesson" alongside Rosario Dawson suggests the film will blend commercial appeal and artistic substance, exploring themes of choice, consequence, and the past in a suspenseful and unexpected way.