Connor Storrie in talks to replace Josh O'Connor in Luca Guadagnino's 'Separate Rooms'

A shift is occurring in the cast of Luca Guadagnino's upcoming film adaptation. Following the departure of Josh O'Connor, actor Connor Storrie is rumored to be in talks to star in Separate Rooms (Camere separate) alongside Léa Seydoux .

The project, an adaptation of Pier Vittorio Tondelli's cult 1989 novel, has been in development for some time. In March 2024, Josh O'Connor was initially attached to play the lead role of Leo, a thirtysomething Italian writer grappling with the death of his lover, Thomas . Léa Seydoux was confirmed for a role shortly after . However, in late May 2025, O'Connor himself confirmed he had stepped down from the project. Citing Guadagnino's busy schedule, the actor told Deadline, "Luca's working all the time... He may well do it, but unfortunately it won't be with me" . O'Connor's departure was attributed to scheduling conflicts as he focuses on other projects, including Steven Spielberg's new film .

Now, emerging reports suggest that Connor Storrie is the frontrunner to fill the void. While an official confirmation from the studio is still pending, industry insiders indicate that Storrie is in negotiations to take over the role of Leo . This would place him opposite Léa Seydoux, whose character details remain under wraps.

Separate Rooms tells the poignant story of Leo and Thomas, whose passionate, long-distance relationship unfolds across various European cities, including Milan, Paris, and London, before being tragically cut short . Francesca Manieri (We Are Who We Are) is adapting the screenplay . Guadagnino, who has previously staged a mise-en-espace of Tondelli's novel, is producing the film through his Frenesy Film company .

With the cast seemingly in flux once more, production details for Separate Rooms remain scarce, though the film is anticipated for a potential 2026 release . Guadagnino continues to be one of the busiest directors in Hollywood, with After the Hunt starring Julia Roberts completed and an American Psycho adaptation also in development .