David Mamet Releasing Shia LaBeouf Prison Drama ‘Henry Johnson’ This Spring (EXCLUSIVE)

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This coming spring, David Mamet plans to debut “Henry Johnson,” his first movie in more than a decade, a gripping prison drama. Filming for this production has recently concluded. The film is based on Mamet’s 2023 play of the same title and features Shia LaBeouf in one of the leading roles.

Beyond LaBeouf, who appeared in the play when it was performed at the Electric Lodge in Venice, California, the remainder of the cast will reprise their stage roles for the screen adaptation. These actors are Evan Jonigkeit from “The Night House”, Chris Bauer known for “True Blood”, and Dominic Hoffman from “Suits: LA”.

Independently in collaboration with production company 1993, ‘Henry Johnson’ will debut on May 9. You can rent it directly from the movie’s website on that date. Additionally, it will have a simultaneous screening at the Aero Theatre in Los Angeles. As David Mamet put it, “If you only see one film this year… maybe you should get out more!

This season on Broadway, I’m thrilled to see David Mamet returning with a revival of “Glengarry Glen Ross,” featuring Kieran Culkin and Bob Odenkirk. Notably, there’s an announcement in the theater lobby about the premiere of “Henry Johnson.”

Or, more casually:

I can’t wait for David Mamet’s Broadway comeback with a revival of “Glengarry Glen Ross,” starring Kieran Culkin and Bob Odenkirk. There’s even a poster in the theater lobby announcing the debut of “Henry Johnson.

The movie focuses on the main character, Jonigkeit, as he explores his personal quest for ethical grounding. This odyssey involves interactions with several authoritative figures, one of them being his future cellmate, Gene (LaBeouf). As suggested by the plot summary provided by the filmmakers, “Henry Johnson” delves into themes of power, justice, and the repercussions of allowing others to dictate your life’s course.

Peter Debruge from EbMaster’s offered a predominantly favorable critique of the play, describing it as an “examination of [flexible ethics and deceitful tactics] during a period when significant parts of the nation are being influenced.” He also noted that LaBeouf was “exceptional” or “explosive.

David Mamet is a multi-talented artist who has won a Pulitzer Prize and been nominated for an Oscar. Among his notable works are “Glengarry Glen Ross,” “American Buffalo,” and “Speed-the-Plow.” He has also written screenplays for films such as “The Verdict” and “Wag the Dog.” As a director, he has worked on movies like “The Spanish Prisoner,” “House of Games,” “State and Main,” “Heist,” and “The Winslow Boy.” However, in recent times, his career in Hollywood seems to have slowed down, which some believe might be connected to his shift towards more conservative political views that have been widely discussed.

2020 saw Shia LaBeouf facing controversy due to assault and sexual battery accusations made by musician FKA Twigs, who was previously his romantic partner. More recently, Leo Lewis O’Neil revealed that he had completed a documentary titled “Slauson Rec,” which traces the volatile history of an acting school founded by LaBeouf at the Slauson Recreation Center in LA back in 2018. The footage gathered over 800 hours reportedly captures instances of physical aggression from LaBeouf towards members of the experimental theater group. O’Neil shared with Vanity Fair that LaBeouf has given his approval for the finished film.

Henry Johnson, a production by Jonigkeit in 1993’s Lije Sarki, was overseen by executive producers Peter Baxter (RGB), Marcel Bonn-Miller, and Sheldon Stone.

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2025-04-03 17:49