David Mamet to Direct Star-Studded Cast in Film Version of 'Speed the Plow'

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright to adapt his Hollywood satire for the big screen with Anthony Mackie, Ben Mendelsohn, Emily Alyn Lind, and Sharon Stone.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Acclaimed playwright David Mamet is set to direct a film adaptation of his Tony-winning play "Speed the Plow," featuring a star-studded cast including Anthony Mackie, Ben Mendelsohn, Emily Alyn Lind, and Sharon Stone. The movie, which will diverge somewhat from the original play, will be set at the fictional American Prestige Studios and follow a junior executive's struggle to navigate the Hollywood system. Production is slated to begin on February 18, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Why it matters

Mamet's "Speed the Plow" is a renowned satire of the Hollywood entertainment industry, and this film adaptation will bring his biting commentary to a new generation of audiences. The casting of high-profile actors like Mackie, Mendelsohn, Lind, and Stone further underscores the cultural significance of this project, which promises to offer a unique and insightful perspective on the inner workings of the film business.

The details

The new film version of "Speed the Plow" will be set at the fictional American Prestige Studios, where junior executive Bob Grant (Anthony Mackie) is appointed to a head of production role. Grant, who is emotionally and philosophically unsuited for the job, is aided and impeded by a studio time server, Charlie Fox (Ben Mendelsohn); an office temp, Karen (Emily Alyn Lind); and a crazed movie star, Gemma Speed (Sharon Stone). The cast also includes Rebecca Pidgeon as PR flack Georgia Cornchuk-Stein and Chris Bauer as a Malibu recluse.

  • Production on the film is set to begin on February 18, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.

The players

David Mamet

A Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright who is known for his plays like "Glengarry Glen Ross" and "Speed the Plow." He will be directing the film adaptation of his own play.

Anthony Mackie

An American actor known for his role as Falcon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He will be playing the lead role of junior executive Bob Grant.

Ben Mendelsohn

An Australian actor known for his roles in films like "The Dark Knight Rises" and "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." He will be playing the character of Charlie Fox, a studio time server.

Emily Alyn Lind

An American actress known for her roles in films like "We Were Liars." She will be playing the character of Karen, an office temp.

Sharon Stone

An American actress known for her roles in films like "Casino." She will be playing the character of Gemma Speed, a crazed movie star.

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What’s next

The film is set to launch international sales at the upcoming European Film Market (EFM) in Berlin.

The takeaway

This film adaptation of David Mamet's acclaimed play "Speed the Plow" promises to offer a fresh and insightful perspective on the inner workings of the Hollywood entertainment industry, with a talented cast bringing the playwright's biting commentary to life on the big screen.