Nicolas Cage will headline C.L.A.Y., a psychological cyber-thriller marking Simon Afram’s debut as a director. The film — which reunites several collaborators from Afram’s recent WWII project — begins principal photography in London in November 2026, positioning it as a major fall production to watch next year.
C.L.A.Y. centers on a gifted but isolated computer prodigy who finds community inside an underground hacker collective. As their online provocations escalate into tangible consequences, the group draws interest from intelligence services, criminal networks and rival cyber-actors.
The project brings together an international cast led by Cage and including Michael Sheen, Jordi Mollà, Emilio Sakraya and Adrian Topol. Several of the performers previously worked with Afram on the espionage feature Fortitude, which he wrote and produced for director Simon West.
Afram, who also wrote and produced C.L.A.Y., describes the film as an exploration of how digital life reshapes identity and purpose. He says his goal was to make a film that is emotionally grounded, unpredictable and stays with viewers after the credits roll.
Production company of record on the project is Clay Pictures Ltd., with shooting scheduled to start on location in London in November 2026. Casting for secondary roles is ongoing.
- Director / Writer / Producer: Simon Afram (directorial debut)
- Stars: Nicolas Cage, Michael Sheen, Jordi Mollà, Emilio Sakraya, Adrian Topol
- Producers: Edward Kahl, Reza Roohi, Adrian Topol
- Executive Producers: Bianca Goodloe, David Scaramanga, Daniel Haido
- Casting: Rich Mento
- Legal counsel: Bianca Goodloe Esq., Goodloe Law
The film’s themes arrive at a time when online networks, cyber activism and questions about digital accountability are frequently in the headlines, which could amplify audience interest. Beyond topicality, the involvement of a major star like Cage and a strong supporting ensemble gives C.L.A.Y. commercial visibility well before cameras roll.
Representations for principal cast include WME for Cage; CAA for Sheen; IAG for Mollà; Independent Talent Group for Sakraya; and Fischer & Partner Agency for Topol. Those agency attachments suggest the production is already moving through formal industry channels as it lines up financing and distribution partners.
More casting announcements and production updates are expected as the shoot approaches. For now, C.L.A.Y. stands out as a director-first project that pairs a high-profile lead with topical subject matter and an international creative team — a combination likely to draw attention from both festival programmers and mainstream audiences.
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Hello, I’m Declan. I share my film reviews and discoveries with you to enrich your moviegoing experience.