Charles Melton to Lead Alex Garland's Next Untitled War Film for A24

by Darian Scalamoni

    Coming off the unexpected but well-deserved praise for his role in May December, it appears that Charles Melton has found his next star vehicle. According to Deadline, Melton is set to lead the next untitled war film from filmmaker Alex Garland (Ex Machina). 

    Garland will co-direct the film from a script he co-wrote with Ray Mendoza, marking their second straight collaboration after Civil War, where Mendoza acted as a military supervisor. It appears on the surface that maybe Mendoza and Garland exchanged ideas for another military-fronted film leading to Mendoza's directorial debut alongside Garland. A24 is set to distribute the movie, keeping up its imprint on Garland's theatrical releases, however, plot details are scarce, as Garland likes to keep audiences at bay until a trailer releases.

    Garland's upcoming Civil War has garnered plenty of attention with its first trailer accumulating 13 million views for their trailer on YouTube. The film stars Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura and Jesse Plemons and hits theaters on April 12. Garland is an Academy Award nominated writer for Best Original Screenplay for Ex Machina, which also was his directorial debut. Since then, he's also written and directed films such as Annihilation and Men, and also FX series, Devs.

    Melton is said to have had a plethora of projects at his disposable to choose from following his role in May December as Joe Yoo, a man who is coerced into having sexual relations with a woman much older than him (played by Julianne Moore), and eventually leads to marriage and a family with her. His devastating turn earned him awards consideration, nominations and even some wins for Best Supporting Actor. Melton also appeared in an episode of Peacock's Poker Face in the debut season opposite Natasha Lyonne and Tim Blake Nelson. 

    The film is said to be an ensemble project, meaning that Melton's inclusion is just the start of assembling a major cast for Garland's next project. 

    With more casting announcements imminent, it begs the question, who else would you like to see join the project? Let us know in the comments!