SerpApi.Org
It's never been easy making a living in Hollywood, but these days actors are facing an even tougher road to a stable life - let alone stardom. That's the subject of Chris Rock's Misty Green, the actor-comedian's latest directorial effort after 2003's Head of State, 2007's I Think I Love My Wife, and 2014's Top Five. Like the latter movie, Misty Green will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, joining a 51st edition lineup that includes I Play Rocky and Being Heumann.
Ahead of the movie's TIFF '26 launch, A24 has released a first trailer for Misty Green that reveals the dire circumstances that the titular never-was (played by Slow Horses star Rosalind Eleazar) currently finds herself in.
"It's tough out there - I don't even know if I could get you on Law & Order right now," Misty's agent (Topher Grace) tells her during the two-and-a-half minute spot. "But don't act like you never had a shot."
It's not just industry contraction that's hurting Misty's career; she also faces the discrimination that accompanies being a minority in Hollywood, and had a physical altercation with someone on one job that made her unhireable. (Side note: that plot point feels like it could be personal for Rock based on his notorious experience with Will Smith at the 2022 Oscars.)
Watch the trailer and read on for everything else to know about Misty Green ahead of its TIFF premiere.
The plot
Here's the official logline from A24: "Years after her Hollywood breakthrough, a talented actress whose career has stalled fights for her second act."
The cast
Besides Eleazar and Grace, the rest of Misty Green's cast includes Daniel Kaluuya as Misty's brother, who has his own demons; Anna Kendrick as her friend and fellow actress, who is seriously contemplating leaving Los Angeles; Adam Driver as a sketchy Hollywood guy who offers Misty a chance to pursue a less-than-ideal career path; and Rock himself as another Hollywood hanger-on who seems to believe in her talent.
Awards prospects
Rock has reaped multiple Emmy nominations and awards for his small screen work, but his feature films have yet to make waves in the awards race. Still, Misty Green's timely portrait of the challenges facing the creative community could resonate with Academy voters, particularly in the acting branch. Then again, if they live those challenges everyday, they may not be eager to see them depicted onscreen.
The release date
Misty Green will premiere at TIFF in September, and open in theaters in October.
