Renowned director David Zellner has a cinematic career that traces back to 1997, marking his feature film directorial debut with the comedy Plastic Utopia. He co-wrote this screenplay with his brother, Nathan Zellner, a talented visual effects artist. As of the 2018 release of the Western film Damsel, the Zellner Brothers solidified their partnership as a dynamic directing duo. In 2020, they announced an exciting new project, an alien invasion comedy titled Alpha Gang, featuring an impressive lineup that includes stars like Andrea Riseborough, Jon Hamm, Nicholas Hoult, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Mackenzie Davis, Sofia Boutella, and Steven Yeun. However, production on Alpha Gang was delayed, leading the Zellner Brothers to focus on another project, Sasquatch Sunset. Recently, it was revealed that the Zellners are once again pursuing Alpha Gang, and while the original cast has changed, it now includes even more notable actors, such as Cate Blanchett from Disclaimer, Dave Bautista from Knock at the Cabin, Léa Seydoux known for No Time to Die, and Riley Keough from Daisy Jones & The Six. With Alpha Gang currently in production and set to conclude shortly, Deadline has reported the addition of Chris Pine from Star Trek, Lily-Rose Depp from Nosferatu, Kelvin Harrison Jr. from Mufasa: The Lion King, and Doona Bae from Rebel Moon, enriching the already stellar cast.
The announcement regarding the cast featuring Blanchett and others also included Channing Tatum, Zoë Kravitz, and Steven Yeun. Unfortunately, all three actors had to withdraw from the project prior to the start of production. Sources indicated that this was due to a mix of scheduling conflicts and financing issues, which often plague many independent film projects.
The storyline of Alpha Gang promises to be both intriguing and humorous: Though they appear and sound human, the members of the Alpha Gang are actually aliens on a mission to conquer Earth. Armed and perilous, they initially exhibit no compassion, until they inadvertently contract the most hazardous, contagious human ailment: emotion. Their ambitious plans for global domination face unforeseen challenges as they begin to experience feelings of joy, fear, empathy, and – most troubling of all – love. Nonetheless, they are determined to wipe out humanity before it’s too late. Additionally, another version of the synopsis reveals that the titular group, Alpha Gang, is disguised in human form as a leather-clad biker gang from the 1950s, adding an exciting twist to the narrative.
The Zellner Brothers are producing Alpha Gang through their company, ZBi, alongside Blanchett and Coco Francini from Dirty Films, Keough and Gina Gammell from Felix Culpa, Ryan Zacarias from Fat City, Andrea Bucko from Sugar Rush Pictures, Mary Aloe from Aloe Entertainment, and Joshua Harris from Peachtree Media Partners.
Are you excited about Alpha Gang? What are your thoughts on the casting of Chris Pine, Lily-Rose Depp, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Doona Bae, especially following the departure of Channing Tatum, Zoë Kravitz, and Steven Yeun? Share your opinions with us by leaving a comment below.
