John Leguizamo In Talks to Star Opposite Anya-Taylor Joy in Searchlight’s “The Menu”

John Leguizamo is reviewing The Menu

The 57-year-old Colombian actor/comedian is in final negotiations to join Searchlight’s The Menu from producers Adam McKay and Betsy Koch.

John Leguizamo

The film, directed by Mark Mylod, is a darkly comedic psychological thriller set in the world of eccentric culinary culture, centering on a young couple who visit an exclusive restaurant on a remote island where an acclaimed chef has prepared a lavish tasting menu.

Previously announced cast includes Anya Taylor-Joy, who will portray one-half of the young couple; Ralph Fiennes, who stars as the chef; as well as Nicholas Hoult and Hong Chau in unconfirmed roles.

The Emmy and Tony Award winner is a pioneering Latino actor, writer, producer, and playwright who began his career telling stories about his life growing up in New York City as part of the immigrant community and the colorful characters he met along the way in various comedy specials including 1991’s Mambo Mouth and 1993’s Spic-O-Rama.

Although he made his small screen debut in Miami Vice in the 1980s, he really made a splash with the 1995 sketch comedy series House of Buggin‘—known as the Latino In Living Color. Although it only ran for one season on Fox, creator, writer, and star Leguizamo—alongside costar Luis Guzman—broke ground for Latin Americans on TV.

Notable film credits include Carlito’s Way, To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie NewmarRomeo + JulietSummer of SamMoulin RougeIce Age, and John Wick.

He also directed and starred in the 2020 bio-drama Critical Thinking based on the real-life story of a Miami inner-city high school chess team that would go on to win the U.S. National Chess Championship.

He also appeared in Bloodline, WacoWhen They See Us, and The Mandalorian.

Leguizamo earned four Emmy nominations including one win in 1999 for Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Music Program for HBO’s Freak.

His lauded one-man Broadway show Latin American History For Morons about the contributions of Latinos to U.S. history was nominated for the 2018 Tony Award for Best Play. That year, he received a Special Tony honoring his body of work and his commitment to telling diverse stories on Broadway.

One thought on “John Leguizamo In Talks to Star Opposite Anya-Taylor Joy in Searchlight’s “The Menu”

  1. Pingback: Aimee Carrero to Star in Searchlight’s Comedic Psychological Thriller “The Menu” | #site_titleAimee Carrero to Star in Searchlight’s Comedic Psychological Thriller "The Menu"

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