Harry Melling is the latest actor to join the ensemble of Butterfly Jam, the upcoming English-language debut from acclaimed Russian filmmaker Kantemir Balagov (Beanpole). He stars alongside Barry Keoghan and Riley Keough — actress, producer, and granddaughter of Elvis Presley.
Set within New Jersey’s Circassian-American community, the film follows a teenager helping his family run a struggling diner while training to become a professional wrestler. When his father's scheme backfires, he’s forced to grow up fast as violence enters his world.
The project brings together top-tier production talent. It’s produced by Alexander Rodnyansky’s AR Content (which previously backed Beanpole), Pascal Caucheteux’s Why Not Productions (Emilia Pérez), and Goodfellas, with UTA handling U.S. rights.
Melling, known for The Queen’s Gambit and The Pale Blue Eye, is currently seen in Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, and will next appear alongside Alexander Skarsgård in Pillion, directed by Harry Lighton.
With its unique cultural setting, a coming-of-age story threaded with tension, and a striking international cast, Butterfly Jam is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing independent dramas on the horizon.
