EXCLUSIVE: Casey Likes, who recently starred on Broadway in Back To The Future and Almost Famous, will star in writer-director Delfine Paolini‘s sophomore feature Sky, Zyprexa, Night, which begins production in summer, 2026.
Also starring will be Jacob Moran (The Black Phone, New Shoes). Additional casting is currently underway.
Described as an emotionally charged psychological thriller inspired by true events, the film follows a bipolar woman and her two grandchildren as they are swept into the strange orbit of an evangelical healer’s tent revival tour during the summer of 1993. Against the backdrop of New York’s Hudson Valley, the film explores faith, madness, autonomy, and the fragile boundary between salvation and delusion.
Likes, currently playing “J.D.” in the Off Broadway production of Heathers The Musical at New World Stages, will takes the role of Angus, the evangelical healer’s melancholic musician son, “who welcomes newcomers and lends his music to the tent revivals.” Paolini wrote the story with Likes “squarely at its heart,” setting the production dates around his current schedule.
“Angus is one of the most challenging characters I’ve ever written,” said Paolini. “The role is shaped to facilitate Casey’s rare and singular gifts, because I see him as an inimitable artist.”
“After several years of hoping to collaborate, Delfine and I are finally working together,” Likes said. “Her writing has left an imprint on me, and this project is special; I look forward to audiences discovering why.”
Moran will portray Evan, a devoted brother determined to shield his twin sister from the encampment’s radical messaging. In addition to their roles, Moran and Likes will also serve as Executive Producers.
Sky, Zyprexa, Night reunites Paolini with executive producer Rene Bastian after their pairing on the director’s A Wonderful Way with Dragons. Producing are Adam Lukens and Astrid Lark, with London-based producer Sol Rikweda lead producer.
Abdelsalam Moussa will be the cinematographer, and Mina Samy will compose the score.
Likes is repped by CESD; Strand Entertainment. Moran is repped by CESD; Zoom Talent Management.
