The Debut

The Debut is a comedy-drama about Mona Friedman, a shy New Jersey housewife who unexpectedly lands a small role in a local musical despite having no stage experience. Director Jerry begins pushing her toward confidence, but Mona becomes a zealous method actor willing to fight for the integrity of her marginal part. Julianne Moore plays Mona and Paul Giamatti plays Jerry. Halle Bailey, Jesse Eisenberg, Cara Buono, Craig Bierko, Havana Rose Liu, Bernadette Peters, Colton Ryan, Lilli Cooper, Maulik Pancholy and Bonnie Milligan are also in the announced cast. Eisenberg wrote and directed the film and supplied the songs for the musical inside it. A24 releases The Debut in United States theaters on December 11, 2026. Lionsgate’s UK cinema date is January 15, 2027. VIFF lists a 105-minute runtime. A streaming service, home-release date, complete soundtrack and detailed supporting character assignments remain unconfirmed.