Emmy Award winner Courtney B. Vance (The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story) has signed on to star in Ben is Back, the new film from Peter Hedges (What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Dan In Real Life).
Vance joins the previously announced Julia Roberts (Wonder), Lucas Hedges (Manchester By the Sea) and Kathryn Newton (Lady Bird) in the project, which has just started shooting in New York City.
The film will follow “the charming yet troubled Ben Burns (Hedges), who returns home to his unsuspecting family one fateful Christmas Eve. Ben’s wary mother Holly Burns (Roberts) welcomes her beloved son’s return, but soon learns he is still very much in harm’s way. During the 24 hours that may change their lives forever, Holly must do everything in her power to avoid the family’s downfall.”
Vance, who will soon be seen in the TV movie Civil and also lends his voice to Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs, is set to play Holly Burns’ husband, and the stepfather to Hedges’ Ben.
