David Mamet’s new film Henry Johnson is set for a spring release, with a trailer recently unveiled by 1993 Productions. The film stars Shia LaBeouf and was shot in just five days. It will open independently in a single Los Angeles theater before becoming available for rent on the film’s website starting May 9.
Based on Mamet’s play, which had off-Broadway showings in 2023, Henry Johnson is a tense prison drama about a convict seeking redemption. LaBeouf plays the cellmate of the titular character, a lawyer imprisoned for illegal activities.
Mamet has been largely absent from directing since 2008’s Redbelt, partly due to his outspoken political views and disillusionment with Hollywood executives. He has criticized the studio system and expressed controversial opinions on politics, which have distanced him from mainstream filmmaking.
LaBeouf, fresh off his role in Coppola’s Megalopolis, has other projects underway but recently exited one production citing unprofessionalism. Fans of Mamet’s sharp dialogue and storytelling can look forward to this latest work this May.
