Miles Teller is gearing up to steal the spotlight in Possum Song, an audacious new film from acclaimed Sing Sing director Greg Kwedar. Announced on May 6, 2025, by FilmNation Entertainment, this fantastical comedy is already turning heads with its quirky premise and powerhouse team. Teller, hot off roles in The Gorge and Michael, will play a cocky Nashville musician hiding a dark secret—he stole the songs for his breakout album. Desperate to write a follow-up hit, he strikes a risky deal with a magical possum. Yes, you read that right—a magical possum! Set to launch pre-sales at the Cannes Film Market, Possum Song promises a one-of-a-kind ride, blending music, humor, and a touch of the surreal.
What’s the Deal with Possum Song?
The film follows Teller’s character, a brash country star whose debut album’s success is built on a lie. With the pressure on to deliver new music, he’s stuck—until a mystical possum offers a dangerous bargain to spark his creativity. The script, penned by Isaac Adamson (The Ice Storm), is described as hilarious and heartfelt, packed with “showstopping music, visceral shocks, possums, humor, and emotion,” according to FilmNation’s Ben Browning. Kwedar, fresh off Sing Sing’s three Oscar nominations, is directing and producing through his Ethos banner alongside longtime collaborator Clint Bentley. Teller and Lee Stobby are also producing, with FilmNation handling worldwide sales.
This isn’t your typical music biopic. The magical possum angle leans into the fantastical, promising a vibe that’s equal parts absurd and emotional. Think Walk the Line meets Everything Everywhere All at Once with a Nashville twang. Kwedar’s knack for grounded, human stories—seen in Sing Sing’s prison theater drama—suggests he’ll balance the comedy’s wild premise with real heart. Production details are slim, but with Cannes buzz building, expect a shoot in late 2025 or early 2026, aiming for a 2027 release.
Teller and Kwedar: A Perfect Match
Miles Teller is no stranger to music-driven roles, having drummed his way to fame in Whiplash and sung alongside Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick. His recent work in Apple’s The Gorge and Lionsgate’s Michael (the Michael Jackson biopic) shows his range, from action hero to complex real-life figures. In Possum Song, Teller’s charisma and comedic timing—he’s got that cocky charm down pat—make him ideal for a Nashville star wrestling with fame and fraud. His upcoming A24 rom-com Eternity with Elizabeth Olsen and Callum Turner proves he’s game for quirky, and a magical possum feels right up his alley.
Greg Kwedar, meanwhile, is riding high after Sing Sing’s critical and awards-season success. The 2023 prison drama, starring Colman Domingo and real-life Rehabilitation Through the Arts alumni, earned Oscar nods for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor, and Best Original Song, plus BAFTA and Critics Choice nominations. Kwedar’s collaborative approach—paying cast and crew equally and sharing ownership via his Ethos model—set a new standard for indie filmmaking. His ability to weave humor and humanity into heavy settings bodes well for Possum Song, which could turn a bonkers premise into something unexpectedly moving. Kwedar’s Fort Worth roots and prior work on Jockey and Transpecos show he’s got a knack for American stories with soul.
Why It’s Generating Buzz
Possum Song is a bold swing in a market craving fresh ideas. The Cannes pre-sales launch signals strong industry faith, with FilmNation (behind Conclave and Anora) betting on Kwedar’s vision and Teller’s star power. The film’s mix of comedy, music, and fantasy taps into the zeitgeist—audiences loved Bullet Train’s wild energy and The Greatest Showman’s musical flair, and Possum Song could hit a similar sweet spot. The magical possum, while outlandish, feels like a clever metaphor for creative desperation, and Adamson’s script has been praised for its wit.
What to Expect
While no release date’s confirmed, the Cannes push suggests a 2027 theatrical rollout, likely with a festival premiere at Sundance or Toronto, where Kwedar’s Sing Sing and Transpecos found love. The film’s music will be a big draw—expect original songs or covers, possibly with Teller singing, given his Whiplash pipes. Kwedar’s collaborative ethos means the cast and crew will likely share ownership, a model that worked wonders for Sing Sing’s tight-knit vibe. No other cast members are announced, but with FilmNation’s clout, expect a few surprise names.
The “fantastical comedy” label hints at visual flair—maybe surreal possum visions or Nashville nightlife with a magical twist. Kwedar’s experience shooting in real prisons for Sing Sing shows he can handle grounded settings, so Nashville’s honky-tonks and studios should feel authentic. Adamson’s prior work on The Ice Storm suggests a sharp, character-driven story beneath the comedy, and Bentley’s involvement (he co-wrote Sing Sing and directed Jockey) ensures a tight script.
Why I’m Excited
I’m a sucker for bold swings, and Possum Song sounds like a blast. Teller’s got that smug-yet-lovable energy perfect for a flawed musician, and I’m curious to see him lean into comedy after intense roles like The Gorge. Kwedar’s Sing Sing blew me away with its heart and authenticity, so I trust him to make this possum premise more than a gimmick. A magical critter helping a desperate artist? That’s got my attention, especially with Nashville’s gritty-glam backdrop. I’m already humming imaginary country tunes and picturing Teller strumming a guitar while a possum smirks in the shadows.
Get Ready for the Ride
Possum Song is shaping up as a fresh, funny addition to Miles Teller’s hot streak and Greg Kwedar’s rising career. With a magical possum, a Nashville setting, and a team passionate about storytelling, it’s one to watch at Cannes and beyond. No trailer yet, but keep an eye on FilmNation’s updates for casting news or a first look in 2026. For now, check out Sing Sing on A24’s streaming platforms or Top Gun: Maverick on Paramount+ to vibe with Teller and Kwedar’s work.
Source: Deadline
