Add another up-and-coming actor to the cast sheet of Ari Aster‘s “Scapegoat.” Deadline reports that Cory Michael Smith is the latest to join the ensemble of Aster’s upcoming film. Smith joins star Scarlett Johansson, who joined the cast first in May, followed by Jacob Elordi in August, Jude Law in late September, and the trio of Ella Purnell, Caleb Landry Jones, and Samba Schutte two days after Law’s casting.
READ MORE: Ari Aster Says He Has Three Films Lined Up & Will Shoot His Next Movie In November
That’s an exciting group of actors, but their A24 has their respective roles, much like everything else about “Scapegoat,” tightly under wraps right now. Rumors swirl about the plot of Aster’s next picture, however. Some sources say the film follows a doctor who operates on an influencer-type, while others describe the project as a sci-romance. There are still other sources that claim it’s a more traditional drama, but that doesn’t sound like Aster’s usual forte. Does anyone really expect something traditional from the guy whose last two films are “Beau Is Afraid” and “Eddington“?
Anyway, fans of the director will learn more about “Scapegoat” once production begins. As per usual, Aster will direct a script he writes, and he’ll produce with Lars Knudsen via the pair’s Square Peg banner. A24 serves as distributor, as they did on Aster’s last four films.
Smith is an intriguing get for Aster on “Scapegoat,” as the actor is squarely on the rise following his turns in “Saturday Night,” “Sentimental Value,” “Mountainhead,” and “The Sun Never Sets.” The actor stars in Jeremy Saulnier‘s slasher-hybrid “Slayground” next, in theaters via A24 on January 29, 2027, with a supporting role in “Famous,” another A24 thriller, a little further out on the horizon.
Will Cory Michael Smith be the final major casting for “Scapegoat”? Stay tuned on that front, as shooting gets underway next month. Expect a late 2027 theatrical release for the film.
