Barry Keoghan and Riley Keough to star in ‘Butterfly Jam’, the new project from Kantemir Balagov

Barry Keoghan and Riley Keough are in talks to star in Butterfly Jam, the first English-language film by Russian director Kantemir Balagov.

Barry Keoghan (Saltburn) and Riley Keough (Mad Max: Fury Road) are in negotiations to lead the cast of Butterfly Jam, the first feature film in English by acclaimed Russian director Kantemir Balagov (Beanpole). The film, which was presented at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, is produced by Pascal Caucheteux (Emilia Pérez) and Alexander Rodnyansky (Beanpole), under the banners of AR Content and Why Not Productions.

The screenplay, written by Balagov, focuses on a community of Circassian immigrants in the United States, exploring the complex relationship between a father and his son. The story delves into how the son idealises his father, attributing qualities that he doesn’t actually possess, creating a deep emotional conflict.

After a brief stint in Hollywood directing the pilot of The Last of Us, Balagov returns with this ambitious project, which promises to retain his striking visual style and emotionally intense narratives.

Butterfly Jam further strengthens Balagov’s international career, as he gained fame with Beanpole, which won Best Director at the Cannes ‘Un Certain Regard’ section and was shortlisted for the 2020 Academy Awards.