MOVIES

Aubrey Plaza is thirsty to star in her new film by John Waters. Here's what to know

Andre Lamar
Delaware News Journal

Correction: Filmmaker John Waters has not yet cast for his new film. An earlier version of this story cited information from a World of Reel story that has since been retracted. 

Actor Aubrey Plaza has expressed in the past a desire to star in a new film by director John Waters.

The project, Waters' adaptation of his novel “Liarmouth: A Feel-Bad-Romance," would be the legendary director's first film in 20 years.

Filming is set to begin this summer in the director's city of Baltimore.  

Several media outlets including The Guardian and World of Reel reported earlier this week that Plaza had been cast in the film, but Waters has since set the record straight in an interview with The Baltimore Banner.

It isn’t far enough in the development process to have a star attached.

“We have no start date or green light to begin production but are working to, hopefully, make that happen,” Waters said.

While Plaza may not have a contract, Waters told the Banner he is “thrilled and excited at the idea of Aubrey Plaza” starring in the movie and the idea that the flick is “ready to go in Baltimore,” but beyond that, he said the reports were just “pure speculation.”

John Waters and Liarmouth 

Legendary filmmaker John Waters will return to the Eastern Shore for the 8th Annual Ocean City Film Festival in Maryland. The festival is Thursday, March 7 through Sunday, March 10.

This movie, "Variety" reported, will be Waters' first since "A Dirty Shame" in 2004. 

The author describes the novel "Liarmouth" as "a hilariously filthy tale of sex, crime, and family dysfunction." It follows Marsha Sprinkle, a suitcase thief, master of disguise and scammer, the role intended for Plaza.   

"Dogs and children hate her. Her own family wants her dead. She’s smart, she’s desperate, she’s disturbed, and she’s on the run with a big chip on her shoulder," per the book's description. "They call her Liarmouth — until one insane man makes her tell the truth." 

Aubrey Plaza begged John Waters for role

Aubrey Plaza attends the Gotham Independent Film Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, in New York.

In an interview with Dazed Digital in 2022, Plaza expressed how thirsty she was to appear in Waters' new film. 

“I emailed him immediately, and said, ‘You better let me audition for you. I even look like the girl on the cover [of the book he’s adapting],’” the Hollywood A-lister explained.

"I exclusively only audition for John Waters. He told me I’m on his list, but I want to be top of the list. I want to be the only person on his list. They’ve told me I’m this generation’s Kathleen Turner. I mean, come on — I’m a shoo-in. I need that movie,” she added.  

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'My Old Ass' gets release date

Aubrey Plaza attends the premiere of "My Old Ass" at the Eccles Theatre during the Sundance Film Festival on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP) ORG XMIT: UTCS308

Plaza also created a bit of a buzz at Sundance.

She co-stars in the movie "My Old Ass," which inspired praise from "The Guardian,'' "Vanity Fair'' and "Variety,'' to a few outlets reacting to its premiere at Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.

The film is planned for limited release on Aug. 2, according to Deadline.

When will Megapolis be released?

From left, Francis Ford Coppola, Robert De Niro and Al Pacino backstage after honoring the 50th anniversary of "The Godfather."

Plaza, an Ursuline Academy grad and veteran of Wilmington Drama League, has starred in a long-running hit sitcom, produced her own cartoon series, co-starred in an HBO smash hit that inspired an Emmy nomination and hosted "SNL,'' to name just a few on-camera wins.

She also recently garnered praise at Sundance for her role in the film "My Old Ass.''

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What she hasn't done yet is star in a summer blockbuster. But that might change if Francis Ford Coppola scores a summer release of the long-awaited sci-fi film "Megapolis.'' The film also stars Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Laurence Fishburne, Chloe Fineman, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Schwartzman, Jon Voight and other big stars.

Tammy Paolino contributed to this story.

If you have an interesting story idea, email lifestyle reporter Andre Lamar at alamar@gannett.com. Consider signing up for his weekly newsletter, DO Delaware, at delawareonline.com/newsletters