The upcoming screen adaptation of Rumaan Alam’s Leave the World Behind just got two new cast members. Actors Kevin Bacon and Farrah Mackenzie will round out the star-studded lineup, joining the previously announced team featuring the likes of Julia Roberts, Mahershala Ali, Ethan Hawke and Myha’la Herrold.
The film, directed by Sam Esmail, follows a husband and wife as their Long Island vacation is interrupted by a pair of strangers who bring news of a blackout. “As the threat grows more imminent, both families must decide how best to survive the potential crisis, all while grappling with their own place in this collapsing world,” the official logline reads.
In addition to directing, Esmail will produce alongside Roberts. Chad Hamilton, through Esmail Corp, will also serve as producer, along with Lisa Gillan and Marisa Yeres Gill, through Red Om Films banner. Alam will executive produce the adaptation, along with Esmail Corp’s Nick Krishnamurthy, Danny Stillman and Higher Ground’s Tonia Davis.
Alam’s 2020 novel of the same name was a finalist for the National Book Awards and was listed as one of former President Barack Obama’s favorites of 2021. It was named best book of the year by several outlets including NPR, Time and The Washington Post, and it’s been widely praised for weaving together a complex story featuring themes of class, parenthood and race.
