"Ben Stiller's 'Nutcrackers' Set as Opening Night Film for Toronto Film Festival

"Nutcrackers," the latest comedy from David Gordon Green featuring Ben Stiller, is set to kick off the 2024 Toronto Film Festival on September 5th.
This year's festival opener will see Stiller in his first leading role since "Brad's Status" and "The Meyerowitz Stories" in 2017, premiering at Roy Thomson Hall. The film, penned by Leland Douglas, follows Mike (played by Stiller), a workaholic who must care for his four nephews in rural Ohio following a tragic accident. Amidst the chaos of farm life, Mike discovers that it's the children who have given him a new sense of belonging.
"Nutcrackers," boasting a diverse cast including Linda Cardellini, Edi Patterson, Tim Heidecker, and Toby Huss, promises to bring star power as Gordon Green leads his ensemble down the red carpet.
Financed by Rivulet and produced alongside Stiller’s Rough House Pictures, the film marks another milestone for the actor, who last visited Toronto in 2017 for "Brad's Status." Sales are managed by UTA Independent Film Group.
In other festival news, Toronto has announced that "The Deb," Rebel Wilson’s directorial debut adapted from the Australian hit musical, will close the 2024 edition. The film centers on Taylah Simpkins (played by Natalie Abbott), a farm girl and high school outcast, who sees the upcoming Debutante Ball as her chance to redefine herself. When her city cousin Maeve (Charlotte MacInnes) arrives, she challenges the event's traditions, leading both on a journey of self-discovery.
Produced by Rebel Wilson’s Camp Sugar Productions and Bunya Productions, with Danny Cohen as executive producer, "The Deb" faced legal hurdles due to allegations of defamation and disputes over credits and licensing, which Wilson addressed on Instagram with gratitude for the film's Toronto selection.
Toronto’s decision to open with "Nutcrackers" and close with "The Deb" underscores its tradition of spotlighting mainstream crowd-pleasers. Anita Lee, the festival’s chief programming officer, highlighted the event's blend of humor and empathy in reflecting contemporary themes.