Kirsten Dunst(Civil War) andDaniel Brühl(Captain America: Civil War) are set to star alongsideKeanu Reeves(John Wick) inRuben Östlund’supcoming filmThe Entertainment System Is Down. The highly-anticipated social satire will mark another opportunity for Östlund to explore his distinctive ideas on modern society, consumerism, and status. Set on a long-haul flight where the entertainment system fails,The Entertainment System Is Downwill see passengers forced to confront the horror of, yes, boredom. The premise will allow Östlund with a platform to comment on the state of modern society,much like he did withTriangle of Sadness.
That film, starringHarris Dickinson,Charlbi Dean, andDolly de Leon, followed a group of people on a luxury cruise that crashes on a desert island, forcing the travelers to fight for survival.Triangle of Sadnessearned Östlund the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, makingThe Entertainment System Is Downa highly anticipated follow-up. Östlund has acquired a retired Boeing 747 for the production, which will be used full-scale in a studio setting. Filming is scheduled to begin in early 2025, with additional well-known cast members expected to join the project.
Dunst has built an impressive career since her breakthrough role inInterview with the Vampire. She has starred in a wide range of films, includingThe Virgin Suicides,Bring It On, andMelancholia. Her role inThe Power of the Dogearned her an Academy Award nomination, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actresses. Her most recent role was the lead inAlex Garland’s acclaimedCivil War.
Brühl gained international recognition for his role inGood Bye Lenin!and has since become a familiar face in both European and Hollywood cinema. Notable films includeInglourious Basterds,Rush,and his portrayal of Helmut Zemo in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Brühl’s ability to seamlessly transition between different genres and languages makes him a valuable addition to the cast.
Östlund’s career has been marked by critical acclaim and prestigious awards. His previous works includeThe Guitar Mongoloid(2004),Involuntary(2008),Play(2011),Force Majeure(2014),The Square(2017), andTriangle of Sadness(2022).The SquareandTriangle of Sadnessboth won the Palme d’Or at Cannes, solidifying Östlund’s reputation as a true filmmaker to watch. WhileTriangle of Sadnesshelped Östlund gain prominence in the English-speaking film industry, he has long been celebrated internationally for his unique storytelling and social commentary.The Entertainment System Is Downwill allow him to continue making his mark on mainstream cinema, and the casting of such household names is a sign that his reputation now precedes him.
What Is ‘The Entertainment System is Down’ Inspired By?
In preparingThe Entertainment System Is Down, Östlund was inspired by a social psychological study at Virginia University titled ‘The Challenge Of The Disengaged Mind’. The study found that participants did not enjoy spending 6 to 15 minutes alone with nothing to do but think. When given the option, a significant number of participants chose to administer a harmless but painful electric shock to themselves rather than endure boredom.
Stay tuned for more updates onThe Entertainment System Is Downas production progresses and additional cast members are revealed. While you wait for more info about the new film, watch our recent interview with Brühl in the player above.
Triangle of Sadness
A fashion model celebrity couple join an eventful cruise for the super-rich.
