Woody Harrelson shocks with a chilling role in Sicily’s Summer of Roses

Three‑time Oscar nominee Woody Harrelson will lead the upcoming suspense film *Summer of Roses*, directed by Rick Alverson. The story follows Thomas, a wealthy American expatriate living a reckless lifestyle in Sicily, and the consequences that ripple through his world as he spirals into an intoxicating free‑fall.

Production is slated to begin next month, with the crew already gathering on the Mediterranean coast.

Harrelson joins co‑star Caleb Landry Jones, Hannah Gross of *The Drama*, and musician Kaya Wilkins, known as Okay Kaya. The screenplay was co‑written by Alverson and Micah Jayne. Filming will take place in Sicily, a setting that has long inspired directors for its blend of rugged beauty and historical depth.

Production companies include Small Problems, Low Spark Films, and Dugong Films. Low Spark Films is financing the project with support from Gray’s *It’s Not Pork* and new‑land.

## Background & Context

Rick Alverson has built a reputation as an American filmmaker who refuses to stay in one cinematic lane. His latest feature, *The Mountain*, premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival, where it garnered praise for its stark visual storytelling and unflinching look at modern life.

Prior works such as *Entertainment* and *The Comedy* debuted at Sundance, cementing Alverson’s status as a voice of contemporary indie cinema.

Beyond feature films, he has directed music videos for artists like Oneohtrix Point Never, Sharon Van Etten, Bonny Prince Billy, and Angel Olson—projects that showcase his ability to merge audio and visual textures into immersive experiences. Alverson is represented by WME.

Woody Harrelson’s career spans a range of genres, from the grounded realism of *The Martian* to the surreal humor of *The Cuckoo*. In recent years he has become a sought‑after collaborator for directors who blend mainstream appeal with artistic ambition.

His work with Caleb Landry Jones in *Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri* earned them both critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base eager for their next partnership. *Summer of Roses* therefore feels like a natural extension of that creative chemistry.

The project also benefits from the involvement of seasoned producers Benjamin Loeb and Magnus Castracane of Small Problems, Tyler Davidson and Drew Sykes of Low Spark Films, Marco Alessi and Massimiliano Navarra of Dugong Films, as well as Nick Grau, John Gray, and Derrick Tseng.

Executive producers include Alverson himself, along with his collaborators from *Made Bed* and *Children at Play*. Katie Sanders co‑produces the film, adding her track record of guiding independent projects to fruition.

## Cast & Crew Details

The ensemble brings together actors who have carved distinct niches in contemporary cinema. Caleb Landry Jones, represented by UTA, Joey Stanton, and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole, brings a raw intensity that complements Harrelson’s seasoned gravitas.

Hannah Gross—known for her work in *The Drama*—offers a nuanced presence that will anchor the film’s emotional core. Kaya Wilkins, signed with Anonymous Content, will provide both musical and acting talent, blurring the lines between performance and score.

Harrelson is represented by 7 Deuce Entertainment and Ziffren Brittenham, ensuring that his artistic vision is aligned with the film’s production schedule. Alverson’s own dual role as director and co‑screenwriter signals a commitment to maintaining thematic cohesion throughout the project.

## Production & Future Projects

Shooting is scheduled to begin next month in Sicily, chosen for its atmospheric scenery and ability to evoke both isolation and decadence. Low Spark Films is financing the project in association with Gray’s *It’s Not Pork* and new‑land, a partnership that reflects a shared belief in supporting bold storytelling.

WME Independent also serves as producer representative, providing additional logistical support.

Fans on online forums have already begun to speculate about the film’s tone. Threads on Reddit’s r/movies discuss how Alverson’s previous work hints at a slow‑burn, psychological thriller, while Harrelson’s presence promises a grounded performance that can carry the film through its more surreal moments.

Twitter threads feature fans eagerly noting the potential for “the perfect storm of indie grit and star power.”

The storyline centers on Thomas’s descent into an intoxicating free‑fall, reflecting broader themes of excess and isolation. By blending Harrelson’s established gravitas with Alverson’s experimental approach, the film could resonate with audiences seeking nuanced narratives that challenge conventional genre boundaries.

Upon completion, *Summer of Roses* will likely seek distribution through major streaming platforms or a limited theatrical release, following the pattern of Alverson’s recent projects. Release dates remain pending as post‑production continues.

Industry insiders predict that the film’s unique blend of star power and indie sensibility could make it a standout title in upcoming festival lineups.

This project adds another chapter to Harrelson’s diverse portfolio, following his recent lead role in Netflix’s *The Cackling of the Dodos* and his upcoming Apple TV collaboration with McConaughey.

It underscores a broader trend in contemporary cinema where established actors increasingly partner with visionary directors on projects that prioritize artistic risk over formulaic storytelling.

In sum, *Summer of Roses* represents a convergence of seasoned talent, innovative direction, and a willingness to explore the darker corners of human experience.

Its production in Sicily will provide a visual backdrop that matches the film’s thematic ambition, while the collaborative efforts of producers and writers promise a cohesive final product. As the shooting schedule begins, the industry watches with anticipation to see how this daring partnership unfolds on screen.