David Jonsson Joins Gracie Abrams, Connor Storrie and Tom Burke in A24’s ‘Please’ From ‘Babygirl’ Director Halina Reijn (EXCLUSIVE)

Dutch filmmaker Halina Reijn, celebrated for her provocative storytelling, is swiftly building an exceptional cast for her upcoming A24 mystery, tentatively titled “Please.” The latest to join is David Jonsson, a BAFTA-winning actor who took home the prestigious Rising Star award in 2025. This honor, determined by public vote, recognized his standout performances in the romantic comedy “Rye Lane” and the sci-fi horror hit “Alien: Romulus.” Notably, past winners of this accolade—including Tom Holland, Daniel Kaluuya, and James McAvoy—have gone on to become household names, underscoring the significance of Jonsson’s achievement. This marks his third collaboration with A24, a studio known for championing bold, independent voices, further solidifying his reputation as a rising force in cinema.

Jonsson joins an already stellar ensemble that includes Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams, who will make her feature film acting debut, alongside Connor Storrie, recognized for his role in the sports drama “Heated Rivalry,” and British actor Tom Burke. Details about “Please” remain tightly under wraps, but Reijn is once again set to write and direct, continuing her signature blend of sharp satire and psychological tension. This approach defined her previous works, such as the slasher comedy “Bodies Bodies Bodies” and the erotic thriller “Babygirl,” the latter of which grossed over $64 million globally for A24. Industry observers suggest the new project may delve into themes of manipulation and control, a recurring focus in Reijn’s oeuvre that examines power dynamics and societal hypocrisy. David Hinojosa will produce, marking his third collaboration with Reijn, while A24 handles financing and production, with Zach Nutman serving as executive producer. Filming is expected to commence later this year, though exact dates remain unannounced.

For Jonsson, this role represents another leap forward in a rapidly accelerating career. Last year alone, he earned critical acclaim for his part in the dystopian survival thriller “The Long Walk,” an adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, and headlined the British indie prison drama “Wasteman” alongside Tom Blyth, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Demonstrating his ambition beyond acting, Jonsson executive produced “Wasteman” through his company greyarea, co-founded with Sophia Gibber to champion diverse, character-driven narratives. Looking ahead, his schedule is packed with high-profile projects: he will portray legendary entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. in Colman Domingo’s directorial debut “Scandalous,” opposite Sydney Sweeney as Kim Novak, and reunite with “The Long Walk” co-star Cooper Hoffman in Plan B’s “Chaperones,” directed by India Donaldson. Additionally, Jonsson has a lead role in Frank Ocean’s highly anticipated, untitled debut feature film. He is represented by United Agents, CAA, and Granderson Des Rochers.