Shia LaBeouf is continuing his streak of independent dramas withAfter Exile. The young actor will join the great Robert De Niro on screen as his son. LaBeouf will play Mike Delaney who was sent to prison for killing an innocent man after a violent robbery. Once he is finally released, he gets pulled back into the criminal life with his ex-convict, alcoholic father (De Niro). Riddled with guilt, the two must save Delaney’s younger brother from a life of drugs and crime.
The drama will be directed byJoshua Michael Sternwho sat in the director’s chair forSwing Vote,Jobs, and the Epix seriesGraves. Relatively newcomers Anthony Thorne and Michael Tovo are writing the script for the well-rounded stars. The film comes from Pacific Shore Films through producers Anthony Thorne and Steve Snyder as well as executive producer Les Cohen.
Shia LaBeoufis most known for his big-budget tentpole films like theTransformersandIndiana Jonesfranchises, butAfter Exileis following a string of powerful, nuanced performances from the former Disney Channel star. Shia can currently be seen inPeanut Butter Falcon, a touching and relatively short independent film that follows a friendly young man with Down Syndrome on a Huckleberry Finn-like journey to become a wrestler.
In the critically acclaimed movie, Shia plays Tyler, a fisherman that is buried in regret, and debt. While on the run from some local crabbers, Tyler meets the runaway Zak and the two build a powerful friendship. Dakota Johnson , Zack Gottsagen co-star alongside LaBeouf.Peanut Butter Falconboasts a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Unfortunately, LaBeouf is also known for his personal troubles, something that he is now ready to bring to the big screen. The trailer forHoney Boywas recently released and it puts a raw Shia in his own biopic of sorts. From a screenplay by the subject himself, LaBeouf plays his own father, an ex-rodeo clown and felon.
The film explores the life of Otis, a young actor that struggles to reconcile with his father and deal with his mental health after a difficult childhood and a young adulthood wrought with alcoholism and pressure. The film also stars Lucas Hedges (Boy Erased,Manchester by the sea) and Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place). The Alma Har’el film was released at Sundance and is expected to hit theaters on July 21, 2025.
After Exileputs the young actor besideRobert De Niro, but LaBeouf is no stranger to working alongside renowned actors. He featured prominently inLawlessbeside Jessica Chastain (Dark Pheonix, Tom Hardy (Venom), Guy Pearce (Iron Man 3) and Jason Clarke (First Man). He also filled a spot in the ensemble cast ofFuryalongside Brad Pitt (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), Jon Bernthal (Netflix’sThe Punisher) and Michael Pena (Ant-Man and the Wasp). De Niro himself will next be seen starring alongside Al Pacino, Joe Pesci and Harvey Keitel in Martin Scorsese’s long-awaited mob thrillerThe Irishmancoming to Netflix. He will also appear in theJokerfilm starring Joaquin Phoenix.
We look forward to seeing the direction LaBeouf aims to take his career with these recent announcements. Filming onAfter Exilewill start in Philadelphia in October. This news comes to us byVariety.
