Following his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in Captain America: Brave New World, award-winning actor Giancarlo Esposito returns to the action world for his newest project. The Hollywood legend joins the star-studded crime thriller, By Any Means, in a significant role.
According to Deadline, Esposito will portray NAACP leader Vernon Dahmer, who was murdered by the KKK for his voter recruitment work, in By Any Means. The Star Wars: The Mandalorian star is among several new cast inclusions, with Emmy nominee and The Morning Show star Nicole Beharie, Scream 7‘s Ethan Embry, Palm Royale‘s Josh Lucas, Tony Award-winning star LaChanze and Oscar-nominated actor David Straithairn. Details on whom the other actors will portray are being kept under wraps.
By Any Means
is directed by The Inspection helmer Elegance Bratton, based on the Black List script, CI34, by Sascha Penn. Set in 1966, the film chronicles the true story of a notorious mafia hitman hired by J. Edgar Hoover’s FBI off-the-books and partnered with a young Black special agent to take down those responsible for the killings of civil rights leaders in Mississippi. Hammerstone Studios is producing the project alongside Thunder Road Films’ Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, known for their work on the John Wick film series, Freedom Principle and Mark Wahlberg’s Municipal imprint. Wahlberg leads the ensemble cast for By Any Means alongside Aquaman franchise star Yahya Abdul Mateen.
Esposito is coming off playing Serpent Society leader Seth Voelker/Sidewinder in Brave New World, continuing his penchant for portraying must-see villains. He recently expounded on his preparation for his «fierce» role, insisting it was a physically demanding part, though he enjoyed playing it. Esposito was slated to play a different role in the Captain America sequel before creative shifts led to his Sidewinder portrayal.
Though Brave New World earned mixed reviews from critics and is fighting to break even at the box office amid its digital debut, Esposito’s performance was cited as one of the superhero film’s highlights. Esposito has expressed his desire to continue in the MCU, believing there’s a lot of story left to be told with Sidewinder.
Giancarlo Esposito Is Now an MCU Alum
Along with Brave New World, Esposito recently starred in The Electric State, directed by Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars helmers Joe and Anthony Russo. He is also slated to star in James Franco’s indie drama, The Long Home, and features in Season 2 of the Peacock murder-mystery series, Poker Face.
Production began on By Any Means on Apr. 15 in Atlanta. No release date has been confirmed for the film.
