Daniel Zolghadri steps in for Charles Melton in 'My Darling California'

Daniel Zolghadri has joined Elijah Bynum’s crime thriller My Darling California, replacing Charles Melton, who has exited the upcoming film.

Zolghadri will play Kent, a young man caught in an escalating conflict after someone from his past unexpectedly returns. According to the film’s official description, the character is forced to confront unresolved questions as the situation quickly moves beyond his control.

Set in 1980s Los Angeles, My Darling California follows a televangelist and his newscaster wife as they attempt to contain a complicated scandal that threatens their careers. The film is expected to shoot entirely in California.

The project features a notable ensemble cast that includes Jessica Chastain, Chris Pine, Chris Evans, Mikey Madison and Don Cheadle. Melton’s departure from the film was confirmed as Zolghadri takes over his role, although representatives for Melton did not immediately comment on his exit.

Zolghadri previously appeared in Bo Burnham’s Eighth Grade and HBO’s Fahrenheit 451 before landing a leading role in Prime Video’s science fiction series Tales From the Loop. His recent film credits include Y2K, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You and Lurker.

The actor also recently appeared in Alexandrea Pechman’s Magazine, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. His upcoming projects include The Temple, directed by Yonah Lewis and Calvin Thomas, and Annie Baker’s Ancient History for A24.

Bynum wrote and directed My Darling California after making his feature debut with A24’s Hot Summer Nights, starring Timothée Chalamet. He later directed Magazine Dreams, which starred Jonathan Majors.

The film is produced by David Hinojosa, Alex Coco and Sébastien Raybaud, with Anton handling production, financing and international sales.