Pandemic Heist Film ‘Lockdown’ Adds Ben Stiller, Lily James, & More

Doug Liman’s pandemic thriller Lockdown already boasted a starry cast of Anne Hathaway and Chiwetel Ejiofor, but now we know that was just the beginning. Deadline reports Ben Stiller, Lily James, Stephen Merchant, and more are in talks for the film, which Liman will direct before blasting off into outer space with Tom Cruise.

Lockdown is set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, and stars Hathaway and Ejiofor as a sparring couple who put their problems aside to attempt a high-stakes heist at Harrod’s. The film will has a script by Steven Knight, who worked with Hathaway on Serenity and Ejiofor on Dirty Pretty Things.

Stiller hasn’t actually had a lead role since Brad’s Status in 2017. James will be seen next in Rebecca opposite Armie Hammer.

Also in talks to join are Dulé Hill (Psych), Jazmyn Simon (Ballers), and Mark Gatiss (Sherlock). A really strong ensemble all the way around on this one, although it’s unclear who the newest additions are playing.  The film has been described as in the same vein as Mr. & Mrs. Smith, which Liman knows a thing or two about.

Filming on Lockdown is underway in London, so we should see it open sometime next year.

Travis Hopson
Travis Hopson has been reviewing movies before he even knew there was such a thing. Having grown up on a combination of bad '80s movies, pro wrestling, comic books, and hip-hop, Travis is uniquely positioned to geek out on just about everything under the sun. A vampire who walks during the day and refuses to sleep, Travis is the co-creator and lead writer for Punch Drunk Critics. He is also a contributor to Good Morning Washington, WBAL Morning News, and WETA Around Town. In the five minutes a day he's not working, Travis is also a voice actor, podcaster, and Twitch gamer. Travis is a voting member of the Critics Choice Association (CCA), Washington DC Area Film Critics Association (WAFCA), and Late Night programmer for the Lakefront Film Festival.