'Tyrant' adds Paapa Essiedu, Hudson Williams, Omar Apollo and Nara Smith as production begins

'Tyrant' begins filming in LA with Paapa Essiedu, Omar Apollo, Nara Smith and Hudson Williams joining the cast

Production has officially begun on Tyrant, the upcoming Amazon MGM Studios culinary thriller from writer-director David Weil, with four new cast members joining the high-profile ensemble.

Paapa Essiedu, Hudson Williams, Omar Apollo, and Nara Smith have all joined the project in undisclosed roles, with character details being kept tightly under wraps.

The film is led by an ensemble cast featuring Charlize Theron, Julia Garner, and Demi Moore.

Tyrant is described as a high-stakes thriller set within New York City’s elite fine dining world, reportedly blending the intensity of Wall Street with the emotional pressure-cooker tone of Whiplash. The story follows ambition, power, and survival inside a cutthroat culinary environment, though official plot details remain under wraps.

Weil is directing from his own screenplay, which he developed from a story co-created with Cody Behan. The film is one of the few major productions currently shooting in Los Angeles, highlighting its significance in the studio’s upcoming slate.

Essiedu continues his rise following acclaimed performances in I May Destroy You and his upcoming role as Severus Snape in HBO’s Harry Potter series. Williams is gaining attention after his breakout role in Heated Rivalry, while Apollo expands his career beyond music following his Grammy-nominated debut album Ivory. Smith, widely known for her lifestyle and cooking content, makes a notable on-screen debut.

Production on Tyrant is now underway, with further casting details expected to be revealed in the coming months.