A-List Trio Headlines Gritty Crime Drama Set to Begin Filming Next Month
Acclaimed filmmaker James Gray (Ad Astra, The Lost City of Z) has assembled an all-star cast for his upcoming crime thriller Paper Tiger, with Scarlett Johansson and Miles Teller now set to star opposite Adam Driver in the highly anticipated project.
Production is scheduled to begin next month in New Jersey, with international sales launching at the Cannes Film Market. The film, described as a tense, character-driven crime saga, marks Gray’s return to the kind of gritty, emotionally charged storytelling that defined his earlier works like The Yards and We Own the Night.
Here’s everything we know about Paper Tiger, from its gripping premise to its powerhouse cast and behind-the-scenes team.
The Plot: A Dark Tale of Brotherhood and Betrayal
Paper Tiger is set in the shadowy underworld of organized crime, following two brothers (Driver and Teller) who chase the American Dream—only to find themselves ensnared in a deadly scheme orchestrated by the Russian Mafia.
Key Story Beats:
✔ The Illusion of Opportunity – The brothers are lured into what seems like a lucrative business venture, but it quickly spirals into violence and deception.
✔ Family Under Siege – As the Russian mob tightens its grip, their loved ones become targets, forcing them into impossible choices.
✔ A Bond Tested by Bloodshed – Loyalty fractures as betrayal becomes inevitable, leading to a climactic showdown.
Gray, who wrote the script, describes the film as “a tragedy about ambition, brotherhood, and the cost of the American Dream.”
The Stellar Cast: A Dream Ensemble
Adam Driver as the Older Brother
- Role: A calculating yet protective figure who believes he can outsmart the mob.
- Why He’s Perfect: Driver, a two-time Oscar nominee, excels in morally complex roles (Marriage Story, House of Gucci).
Miles Teller as the Younger Brother
- Role: A hotheaded but loyal sibling who gets in over his head.
- Why He’s Perfect: Teller brings raw intensity (Whiplash, Top Gun: Maverick) and emotional vulnerability (The Spectacular Now).
Scarlett Johansson in a Pivotal Role
- Role: Though details are under wraps, sources suggest she plays a figure tied to the brothers’ downfall.
- Why She’s Perfect: Johansson, a two-time Oscar nominee, has proven her range in dramatic thrillers (Marriage Story, Under the Skin).
Replacing Anne Hathaway & Jeremy Strong
Originally, Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Strong (Succession) were attached, but scheduling conflicts led to Johansson and Teller stepping in.
Behind the Scenes: A Prestige Production
Director James Gray’s Vision
Gray, known for epic yet intimate dramas, calls Paper Tiger “a return to the street-level tension of The Yards but with a broader, more operatic scope.”
Producers & Financing
- Rodrigo Teixeira (Call Me by Your Name, The Lighthouse) via RT Features
- Anthony Katagas (The Immigrant, 12 Years a Slave) via AK Productions
- Additional producers include Raffaella Leone, Gary Farkas, and Marco Perego (Johansson’s husband).
Sales & Distribution
- International Sales: Handled by The Veterans (Vincent Maraval & Kim Fox).
- North American Rights: CAA Media Finance is shopping the project to studios.
Why This Film Is Already Generating Buzz
✔ Gray’s Track Record – His films (The Lost City of Z, Ad Astra) are critical darlings with a devoted fanbase.
✔ The Cast’s Star Power – Driver, Johansson, and Teller are Oscar-caliber talents at career peaks.
✔ A Timely Crime Saga – In an era of prestige TV mob dramas (The Sopranos, Peaky Blinders), Paper Tiger could be cinema’s next great crime epic.
What’s Next?
📅 Filming Begins: June 2025 (New Jersey)
🎬 Cannes Market: Sales expected to heat up at the festival.
🎥 Potential Release: Late 2026 (awards season contender?).
Final Verdict: A Must-Watch in the Making
With Gray’s masterful direction, a trio of A-list stars, and a gripping, high-stakes story, Paper Tiger is shaping up to be one of the most exciting films on the horizon.
Will the brothers survive the Russian mob? Or will their ambition destroy them?
Stay tuned for updates as production kicks off.
Are you excited for Paper Tiger? Who do you think will steal the show—Driver, Teller, or Johansson? Sound off in the comments!