Charles Melton has exited Chris Evans‘ new crime thriller, and another actor is set to play his part. Titled My Darling Californiathe film features Materialists star alongside Jessica Chastain, Chris Pine, Mikey Madison, and Don Cheadle in key roles.
According to a Variety report, Daniel Zolghadri will replace Melton in the role of Kent. He will play a young man caught in an escalating conflict that quickly goes beyond his control. The character must also confront long-buried questions after someone from his past unexpectedly returns. Representatives for Melton remained unavailable to comment on this development.
The film is being shot entirely in California and is set in 1980 Los Angeles. Elijah Bynum wrote and directed the project, which follows a televangelist and his newscaster wife as they struggle with a scandal threatening their careers.
Daniel Zolghadri’s career continues to gain momentum
Zolghadri began with smaller roles in films such as Eighth Grade and HBO’s Fahrenheit 451. He later landed the lead role in Prime Video’s sci-fi drama Tales From the Loop. His recent film credits include Y2K, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You and Lurker.
His latest credit is Magazine, directed by Alexandrea Pechman. The drama premiered earlier this month at the Toronto International Film Festival. Zolghadri also has The Temple and Annie Baker’s Ancient History lined up as upcoming projects.
My Darling California marks another major feature for writer-director Elijah Bynum, who made his directorial debut with the Timothée Chalamet-led Hot Summer Nights. He later directed Magazine Dreams, starring Jonathan Majors.
The film is produced by David Hinojosa, Alex Coco and Sébastien Raybaud. Anton produced, backed, and sold the project, while Anton and CAA Media Finance handle U.S. and global rights.
No release date has been announced for My Darling California. Zolghadri is represented by UTA and Circle Management + Production.