Tessa Thompson and Michael Shannon join Mads Mikkelsen in 'Last Meals'

Tessa Thompson and Michael Shannon join Mads Mikkelsen in Ramin Bahrani's upcoming death row drama 'Last Meals'

Tessa Thompson and Michael Shannon have joined Mads Mikkelsen and Boyd Holbrook in Last Meals, an upcoming death row drama from Oscar-nominated writer-director Ramin Bahrani.

Based on an Academy Nicholl Award-winning screenplay by Justin Piasecki, the film is scheduled to begin production this fall. Sentient Entertainment is producing the project, while HanWay Films is handling international sales.

Mikkelsen stars as Walter Karat, a former White House chef whose career downfall leads him to a job preparing meals for death row inmates at a maximum-security prison. His routine changes when he encounters Reed, played by Holbrook, an inmate who refuses both food and the time Walter tries to offer him.

As Walter attempts to understand Reed's situation, the two develop an unexpected connection. Walter begins to suspect that Reed may be innocent and sets out to uncover the truth, putting his own future at risk.

Thompson will play Hannah, an ambitious local food critic who becomes involved in Walter's story. Shannon is set to portray Governor George Callahan, a key figure in the political and clemency battle surrounding Reed's case.

The film will explore themes of guilt, reconciliation and justice as Walter faces a choice between reviving his career and fighting for Reed's possible freedom.

Last Meals reunites Shannon with Bahrani after their previous collaborations on 99 Homes and HBO's Fahrenheit 451. Bahrani also directed The White Tiger.

Thompson's recent credits include Netflix's His & Hers, Passing, the Creed franchise and Thor: Ragnarok. Shannon is known for films including Revolutionary Road, Nocturnal Animals and The Shape of Water.

Several international distribution deals for Last Meals have already been secured ahead of production.