Thescreescore – Noah Schnapp, globally recognized for his decade-long portrayal of Will Byers in Netflix’s monumental sci-fi saga Stranger Things, is officially embarking on a thrilling new chapter in his career. The young actor has secured his inaugural feature film role post-Hawkins, headlining the upcoming thriller Stealing From Pablo. This significant announcement positions Schnapp alongside fellow television alum David Mazouz, known for his work in Gotham, and the critically acclaimed City of God star Seu Jorge, signaling a bold pivot for the actor as he navigates the cinematic landscape beyond the Upside Down.
The gripping narrative of Stealing From Pablo, as reported by industry sources, is drawn from real-life events of the 1980s. Under the direction of Carlos V. Gutierrez, the film centers on Red, a foster teenager, and his best friend Dylan. Their illicit skate session in an abandoned Florida mansion takes a perilous turn when they uncover the property’s notorious ownership by drug kingpin Pablo Escobar, inadvertently ensnaring themselves within his dangerous criminal enterprise. Schnapp and Mazouz, both seasoned young actors, are set to lead this high-stakes story.
This casting marks a pivotal moment for Schnapp, representing his first major big-screen announcement since concluding his tenure as Will Byers. Schnapp was merely eleven years old when Stranger Things premiered in 2016, with his character’s mysterious disappearance setting the entire series into motion. He remained a pivotal figure throughout the saga, his connection to the Upside Down consistently shaping the overarching narrative.
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Schnapp is far from the only Stranger Things ensemble member transitioning into fresh professional chapters. Several of his co-stars have already lined up high-profile projects, with some even making the leap into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Sadie Sink has joined the MCU ranks, while Joseph Quinn, who captivated audiences as Eddie Munson, recently made his Marvel debut as Johnny Storm in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
However, Stealing From Pablo isn’t Schnapp’s immediate next venture. The actor is first poised for his theatrical debut this month in Andy Sandberg’s dark comedy Affluenza in London. The upcoming thriller will then mark his return to the silver screen and will also see him rekindle his onscreen collaboration with Seu Jorge, with whom he previously starred in the 2019 coming-of-age drama Abe.
Director Carlos V. Gutierrez highlighted a unique connection between his two young leads, Schnapp and Mazouz, beyond their shared experiences growing up in front of the camera. Both actors reportedly share a passion for skateboarding, an inherent suitability that undoubtedly informed their casting. Gutierrez also emphasized how their parallel journeys in television could deepen their portrayal of onscreen camaraderie.
For Schnapp, Stealing From Pablo represents a stark departure from his iconic portrayal of Will Byers. Instead of grappling with otherworldly perils in Hawkins, his new film plunges its young protagonists into the heart of a dangerous, true-crime-inspired saga from the 1980s. Adding another layer to his involvement, Schnapp will also be taking on an executive producer credit for the movie, showcasing his growing influence behind the camera.
Mazouz, meanwhile, brings his own extensive experience, having spent a significant portion of his childhood embodying a recognizable television character – a young Bruce Wayne across all five seasons of Gotham. This shared lineage of playing beloved, long-running characters promises a captivating dynamic for audiences who grew up watching both shows, making their combined presence a particular treat.
Stealing From Pablo offers Noah Schnapp a compelling opportunity to return to the big screen with a familiar co-star, all while firmly stepping into a new, exciting chapter that extends well beyond the confines of Stranger Things. For more exclusive industry insights and film news, keep an eye on thescreescore.com.
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