NextShark Studios joins Jennifer Zhang’s sci-fi thriller, starring Ryan Bergara, with Jamie Lee Curtis as EP

NextShark Studios has joined the upcoming sci-fi thriller Trüebadour as a producing partner, further expanding its footprint in film and television. The film, written and directed by Jennifer Zhang, stars BuzzFeed Unsolved and Ghost Files creator Ryan Bergara in his feature lead debut.

The story follows the implosion of a tech startup after the introduction of an AI-powered storytelling device. Academy Award-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis has signed on as an executive producer, continuing her longtime advocacy for amplifying underrepresented voices in the industry.

“I have followed Jennifer’s promising career for several years, and I’m excited to join this thrilling project,” Curtis said. The actress, known for championing diverse storytellers, has used her platform to support emerging filmmakers and underrepresented communities in Hollywood.

Joining Bergara in the cast are Kevin Kreider (Bling Empire, Hello, Love, Again) and Gina Su (Autopilot), reinforcing the film’s strong Asian-led ensemble. Zhang, whose previous film Charon was sold at Cannes after being shot on an iPhone during the pandemic, is working with a production team that includes cinematographer Daphne Qin Wu and producers Christopher Lee Bythewood, Jonathan Hsu, and Randy Chung.

NextShark founder Benny Luo is also serving as an executive producer. “At NextShark Studios, we’re passionate about supporting visionary filmmakers who bring fresh perspectives to the screen,” Luo said. “Trüebadour is an exciting project that not only pushes creative boundaries but also highlights the incredible talent within our community. We’re thrilled to be a part of it.”

NextShark Studios has been steadily expanding into entertainment, leveraging its platform to amplify Asian and Asian American stories beyond digital media. Trüebadour is the latest addition to its growing slate of projects aimed at bringing culturally relevant and compelling narratives to the screen.

Production is set to begin in April. Follow @truebadour_film for updates.