Chris Rock Returns to Directing After 12 Years With A24's Misty Green


Chris Rock returns to directing after 12 years with A24's Misty Green! Get the release date, cast list, and Rock's latest comments on the Oscars.

Four-time Emmy-winning comedian and actor Chris Rock is officially stepping back behind the camera for Misty Green, his first feature film as a director in 12 years. Produced and distributed by indie powerhouse A24, the grounded Hollywood comedy-drama makes its world premiere at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival in September 2026 before heading into theaters nationwide in October 2026.

Featuring an all-star ensemble cast led by Rosalind Eleazar, Adam Driver, Daniel Kaluuya, and Anna Kendrick, the film marks Rock's fourth directorial effort following 2014's critically acclaimed Top Five.

Key Information

What Is the Plot of Misty Green and Who Is in the Cast?

Written and directed by Rock, Misty Green is a sharp character study exploring ambition, grief, and the stark dichotomies of modern Los Angeles.

  • A Fading Starlet's Comeback: Rosalind Eleazar (Slow Horses) stars in the titular role as Misty Green, an award-winning former starlet facing financial ruin and career stagnation after the sudden death of her wealthy partner.
  • A Stacked Ensemble: The film features heavyweights including Adam Driver, Anna Kendrick, Topher Grace, and Daniel Kaluuya (in his first on-screen acting role since 2022's Nope) playing Misty's brother. Rock also takes an acting role as a figure from Misty's past.
  • Indie Roots on a $5 Million Budget: Crafted on an intimate $5 million production budget, Rock described the project as his smallest yet most artistically personal film to date, drawing stylistic inspiration from classic ensemble dramedies like Legally Blonde and Magnolia.

What Did Chris Rock Say About Directing and Returning to the Oscars?

Reflecting on his career shift at age 61, Rock noted that he has grown increasingly passionate about storytelling over acting alone. "I'm a director guy," Rock shared, emphasizing that creating projects allows him to focus on craft rather than hunting for acting roles.

  • On the Oscars Return: Addressing whether he would ever return to host the Academy Awards following his previous stints and the 2022 ceremony incident involving Will Smith, Rock made his position clear. He stated he is not ruling out an appearance, but set one strict rule: "The only way I'll go back is if I'm nominated."
  • Protecting the Film's Spotlight: Rock expressed hope that past controversies would not distract from the work on screen, urging audiences to focus on Rosalind Eleazar's breakthrough lead performance.

Audiences can catch Misty Green when it hits theaters this October 2026 via A24.

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