Is Frank Ocean directing a film for A24? Here's what we know

WORDS Jasmine Pirovic and Kirsty Thatcher PHOTOGRAPHY Pinterest PUBLISHED Thu, 7 Nov 2024 - 2:00 pm

We always feel particularly blessed when we hear from Frank Ocean. The man is perpetually on hiatus and, at this stage, we've learned to make a meal from the bread crumbs he leaves out for us. As it turns out however, the Blonde musician looks to be secretly be working on a new project – and no it's not a fresh album. Rather, he's entering the land of film and very well may be in the midst of making his directorial debut, with A24 no less. Find everything we know about this new development, below.

What film is Frank Ocean working on?

Of course, this is (mostly) all speculation at this point. Back in 2022, sources alerted Discussing Films to the potential project, revealing that all three parties involved – A24, 2 AM and Frank Ocean – are currently referring to the film as "Philly". And while the plot is being kept under wraps, this internal moniker could be an indication of what to expect from the film if it comes to fruition.

There's also a fresh set of rumours when it comes to casting, with Cinema Solace reporting on Instagram that Taylor Russell is on board to star in the project. It makes sense: the Canadian actress worked on the A24 film, Waves, back in 2019 and, since then, has gone on to solidify herself as a star of the big screen. We've certainly got our fingers cross that there's truth to this partnership.

When will filming begin?

As per Discussing Films, filming was initially slated to begin in 2023, with some talk about Frank Ocean filming the movie at various locations in New Mexico. Of course, we're nearly through 2024, and there's been no confirmation that filming is underway.

Is this the first time Frank Ocean has worked with A24?

While this film would be Ocean's directorial debut, it's not the first time he's been enlisted by A24. In the past, he's collaborated with A24 on the foreword of the production company's Academy Award winning 2016 drama Moonlight. Then in 2019 he collaborated with A24 again to create the soundtrack to Troy Shults' film, Waves.

As always, with the news this fresh and little other information to go by, we'll be waiting for confirmation from all parties involved before we throw our hands up and begin celebrating.