Natasha Lyonne's New Film 'Bambo': A Brooklyn Boxing Promoter's Journey in the 1980s
Natasha Lyonne, known for her role in Rian Johnson's Poker Face series, is set to write, direct, and produce a new film titled Bambo. The movie follows a Brooklyn-based boxing promoter in the 1980s who aims to emulate Don King but faces challenges involving tax evasion, cocaine, race cars, shattered dreams, and heartbreak. Lyonne will produce the film through her Animal Pictures studio, with filming scheduled to commence in the summer of 2026.
Bambo marks Lyonne's second feature film project, following her involvement in the AI film Uncanny Valley. The latter is a story set in the world of immersive video games, blending live-action and game elements to depict a teenage girl's experience with a popular AR video game in a parallel present. Lyonne collaborates with Brit Marling and Jaron Lanier on the screenplay for Uncanny Valley.
Recently, Lyonne wrapped up work on Taika Waititi's adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's Klara and the Sun, where she stars alongside Steve Buscemi, Jenna Ortega, Any Adams, and Simon Baker. She is currently filming the Chandler Levack comedy Roommates, which explores the dynamics of a freshman's decision to room with a popular student, leading to a complex friendship. The film features a star-studded cast including Adam Sandler, Sarah Sherman, Nick Kroll, and more.
With a plethora of sports dramas like Sydney Sweeney's Christy and Dwayne Johnson's The Smashing Machine in Hollywood, the question arises: Can Lyonne's Bambo make a mark in a competitive genre that often struggles to captivate audiences? Share your thoughts in the comments below.