Deep Cuts, Drew Starkey, Cailee Spaeny: A24's Deep Cuts adaptation to feature Outer Banks star Drew Starkey alongside Cailee Spaeny

Deep Cuts, the movie based on the book by Holly Brickley, will feature Drew Starkey and Cailee Spaeny in the lead roles. A24 will spearhead the project with Sean Durkin set to take on the duties of writer and director for the screen adaptation. The project was originally meant to have Saoirse Ronan and Austin Butler in the lead roles, however the actors bowed out due to scheduling clashes.

Deep Cuts is a coming-of-age love story that follows Percy and Joe as the two strike a chord over their shared love of music and develop a complex relationship. The original music for the project will be created by Grammy award winning musician Blake Mills. Both Cailee Spaeny and Drew Starkey have previously worked with A24. While Spaeny was in Civil War and Priscilla, Starkey was in Queer. Author Brickley will also take on the role of executive producer.

What we know about Deep Cuts starring Drew Starkey alongside Cailee Spaeny?

Deep Cuts is the debut novel by Holly Brickley, which released on February 25, 2025. It became an instant bestseller and talks around the screen adaption of the book immediately took off. Set in the 2000s, the story revolves around college students Percy Marks and Joe Morrow, who connect over their shared passion for music. Their bond develops into a complex relationship marked by romance, ambition, heartbreak, clash of egos, and redemption.

Back in February, the names of Saoirse Ronan and Austin Butler were attached to the project, with Ronan set to take on the role of producer. However, due to scheduling conflicts, they withdrew. As per Deadline, the production for the project is set to start from February 2026.

Music is the focal point of the story, which adds to the emotional baggage the characters carry with themselves. With the movie heavily relying on music, Grammy winner Blake Mills will have a significant role in the project.

Sean Durkin, who will adapt the book and direct the movie, is known for his other projects such as The Iron Claw and The Next. Durkin will also be producing the project with Anthony Katagas, Jordan Tappis and A24, as well as Eli Bush, Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie.

Cailee Spaeny and Drew Starkey are two of the more sought-after young actors in Hollywood today. Spaeny has appeared in a number of successful projects such as Alien: Romulus, Civil War, Priscilla, Mare of Easttown and The First Lady. She will also appear in Wake up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery as Simone Vivane.

Drew Starkey became a household name thanks to his brilliant portrayal of Rafe Cameron on the hit Netflix series Outer Banks. His other notable projects include Queer, The Terminal List and The Other Zoey.

There have been no further information on the other cast members and release date. Stay tuned for more updates on Deep Cuts.

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