‘The Debut’ trailer: Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti clash in Jesse Eisenberg’s musical comedy
Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti star in Jesse Eisenberg’s The Debut, a chaotic community-theatre comedy with original songs, opening December 2026.
A small community-theatre production becomes the battleground for an obsessive performer in Eisenberg’s follow-up to ‘A Real Pain’, which also features original music and lyrics written by the filmmaker
Published - November 11, 2026 10:47 am IST
A still from ‘The Debut’ | Photo Credit: A24
A24 has released a new trailer for The Debut, the upcoming musical comedy written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg. Starring Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti, the film follows a shy New Jersey housewife whose unexpected entry into community theatre takes a decidedly intense turn. The Debut will open in select US theatres on December 11, 2026, before expanding nationwide on December 25.
Moore plays Mona Friedman, who lands a small role in a local production of an original musical titled Nosy Neighbors. Initially grateful for the opportunity, Mona becomes increasingly consumed by her character and the production, embracing method acting with an intensity that puts her at odds with the show’s demanding director, Jerry Blankenbuehler, played by Giamatti. The new trailer highlights their increasingly volatile rehearsals, as Jerry pushes Mona to deliver even the simplest of lines to his exacting standards.
The ensemble cast includes Halle Bailey, Jesse Eisenberg, Cara Buono, Craig Bierko, Eldar Isgandarov, Colton Ryan, Lilli Cooper, Maulik Pancholy, Havana Rose Liu and Bernadette Peters.
Eisenberg has also written the music and lyrics for the fictional musical featured in the film. He previously directed When You Finish Saving the World and A Real Pain, the latter earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The Debut premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in September 2026 and subsequently screened at the New York Film Festival.
Published - November 11, 2026 10:47 am IST
cinema / English cinema / arts, culture and entertainment
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