Deadline exclusively reports that Megan Lawless, the breakout star of the $15 million acquisition Obsession, is heading into indie territory to star in Stephanie Donnelly’s feature directorial debut, Crushed.
The romantic comedy follows Joss, a character played by Lawless, whose romantic nature has always led her to crushes who don’t share her feelings. Her goal remains constant throughout the film: finding just one crush who could be the perfect match for her. The production is presently filming in Chicago.
Joss’s Quest
Lawless gets to play both sides of the joke because Joss’s problem is specific and relatable: she has crushes that go unreturned. That setup lets her be both the hopeful romantic and the frustrated one at the same time.
The movie’s title, Crushed, fits the premise. Lawless’s character spends the film looking for someone who will actually want her back.
Lawless’s Blockbuster Breakthrough
Lawless gained attention as Sarah in Obsession, opposite Inde Navarrette’s Nikki and Michael Johnston’s Bear. Curry Barker directed the film, which Focus Features acquired for $15 million out of last year’s TIFF Midnight Madness.
This film went on to take in more than a half billion dollars worldwide. It still stands as Focus’ biggest hit of all time, and it holds the record for the largest acquisition purchase ever made from a festival.
Bear is going through a rough patch with Nikki, and Sarah is a close friend who may even have a crush on him. In Obsession, she is there for him during his difficult period.
The Rest Of Her Resume
Beyond her role in Obsession, Lawless carries a solid record of work elsewhere. She shared the screen with Amandla Stenberg and Sabrina Carpenter in The Hate U Give, and she also took part in the Hulu limited series The Girl From Plainville.
Alexander White Agency, 42, and Yorn, Levine, Barnes, Krintzman, Rubenstein, Kohner, Endlich, Goodell & Gellman all represent her.
Donnelly’s Debut
Crushed, which is now being filmed in Chicago, marks Donnelly’s first time directing a feature-length film.
Why This Matters
A director’s debut feature gives Lawless a starring part, and the setup allows her to portray a character marked by both hope and frustration.
The cast places Crushed at the center of its own emotional story. The idea of a woman never finding a crush who returns her feelings is something everyone understands, even when it’s told through a romantic comedy.
Key Facts Box
– Film: Crushed (Stephanie Donnelly directorial debut)
– Lead: Megan Lawless as Joss
– Role: A romantic at heart who never finds a crush who returns her feelings
– Location: Currently shooting in Chicago
– Previous credit: Obsession ($15M TIFF acquisition, grossed over $500M)
Lawless’s Credits
– Obsession (as Sarah)
– The Hate U Give (with Amandla Stenberg and Sabrina Carpenter)
– The Girl From Plainville (Hulu limited series)
– Represented by Alexander White Agency, 42, and Yorn, Levine, Barnes, Krintzman, Rubenstein, Kohner, Endlich, Goodell & Gellman
| Production Timeline | Event |
|---|---|
| Presently | Filming in Chicago |
| Last year | Obsession acquired for $15 million from TIFF Midnight Madness |
| Current | Crushed marks Donnelly’s directorial debut |
Lawless is making a wise career move by taking on a lead part in a director’s first feature after building herself up in a major hit. The romantic comedy setup is a daring choice.
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