Jacob Elordi and Lily–Rose Depp will star in a dark new film based on a Cormac McCarthy novel.
Jacob Elordi and Lily–Rose Depp are set to lead Outer Dark, an intense adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s Gothic novel, directed by Oscar winner László Nemes.
A Dark McCarthy Classic On The Big Screen
Outer Dark isn’t a typical Hollywood adaptation. It’s based on one of Cormac McCarthy’s lesser–known and most disturbing novels, filled with pain, guilt and everything in between. Now it’s heading to the screen, with Jacob Elordi and Lily–Rose Depp in the lead roles.The project is being helmed by Hungarian director László Nemes, who won an Oscar for his debut Son of Saul. This will be his first film in English, and he’s teaming up again with co–writer Clara Royer. Filming for Outer Dark is scheduled to begin in 2026.
What’s Outer Dark About?
Set in the rural South during the Great Depression, the story follows a woman who secretly gives birth to her brother’s child. He abandons the baby in the woods and lies about it, triggering a nightmarish journey as she tries to find the child, and he’s stalked by three mysterious figures that leave destruction behind them. It’s really dark and uncomfortable.
Some people online are already reacting strongly to the synopsis, especially because of the incest storyline, but that discomfort is kind of the whole point. Outer Dark isn’t meant to be easy to digest, it’s a grim, symbolic journey that gets under your skin.
HER BROTHER'S WHAT NOW-???
— vespera (@vesperamyst) May 16, 2025
Jacob Elordi And Lily–Rose Depp – Gen–Z's Dream Cast
Jacob Elordi is one of today’s biggest heartthrobs and internet boyfriends. He’s been on a roll ever since The Kissing Booth, but what’s really impressed people is how he’s grown as an actor, showing real range and depth in projects like Euphoria, Saltburn, and as Elvis Presley in Priscilla. He also starred in On Swift Horses, a queer period drama that added yet another layer to his filmography.
Lily–Rose Depp has had a dedicated fanbase for years, starting with her modeling career and now steadily building her name in film. After The King and The Idol, she delivered a standout performance in Nosferatu, one that was not only critically acclaimed but also really loved by fans. It proved she’s extremely talented and capable of going deep, dark and unsettling when the role calls for it.
Putting these two together for Outer Dark seems to make total sense. It’s a disturbing, twisted story, and both actors have already shown the talent for that kind of intensity.
What do you think?