Netflix Secures Joseph Gordon-Levitt AI Thriller with Rachel McAdams Starring

In a highly competitive bidding war, Netflix has secured the rights to an untitled AI thriller directed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, marking his return to directing after more than 12 years since his debut film Don Jon (2013). The film will star Rachel McAdams, who replaces Anne Hathaway, the original lead announced at the project's inception in December 2024. This change is believed to be due to Hathaway’s scheduling conflicts with other high-profile projects.screenrant+2​

The film is being produced by Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman under their banner T-Street Productions, the prolific duo behind Knives Out and Fair Play. Gordon-Levitt and T-Street’s Johnson and Bergman have a longstanding creative relationship, with Gordon-Levitt having starred in Johnson’s earlier films Brick (2005) and Looper (2012), and Bergman producing Don Jon. Netflix was chosen as the film’s "right creative home," with executives fully embracing Gordon-Levitt's vision.thewrap+2​

Joseph Gordon-Levitt co-wrote the screenplay with Kieran Fitzgerald, known for penning the 2016 Oliver Stone biographical thriller Snowden, in which Gordon-Levitt also starred. Both share a "story by" credit alongside Natasha Lyonne, who has previously collaborated with T-Street. While details about the film’s plot remain shrouded in secrecy, the project is described as a thriller focusing on artificial intelligence and its potential impact on creativity and human expression.deadline+2​

Gordon-Levitt has been an outspoken advocate on the topic of AI’s implications on creativity. In June 2025, at the United Nations’ Internet Governance Forum, he delivered an impassioned speech warning that AI’s unchecked expansion "could mean that creativity as we know it sort of goes away," emphasizing that "your digital self should belong to you" and that individuals should retain ownership of their data, writings, voices, and ideas. He framed these as crucial issues requiring governance to protect creators' rights and ensure economic value is shared with those who generate the data.deadline+3​

The film is expected to begin production in 2026, with further casting announcements anticipated soon. Rachel McAdams brings a wealth of experience with acclaimed films like The Notebook, Game Night, and Mean Girls, adding depth to the project's star power.joblo+2​

This collaboration signals Netflix’s continued investment in high-profile, auteur-driven projects that address contemporary social and technological themes. It also underlines Gordon-Levitt’s evolving role as both a filmmaker and a public voice on the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies.

Sources

• Deadline: "Netflix Wins Joseph Gordon-Levitt Directed AI Thriller From T-Street; Rachel McAdams Boards Pic"deadline​

• ScreenRant: "Joseph Gordon-Levitt Returning To Director's Chair After 11 Years With Rian Johnson-Produced AI Thriller"imdb​

• The Wrap: "Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s AI Thriller Lands at Netflix With Rachel McAdams Attached to Star"thewrap​

• IMDb News: "Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s AI Thriller Lands at Netflix With Rachel McAdams Attached to Star"imdb​

• Joblo: "Joseph Gordon-Levitt AI thriller finds a home at Netflix, replaces Anne Hathaway with Rachel McAdams"joblo​

• UN Forum Speech Coverage: Joseph Gordon-Levitt on AI and Digital Self Ownershiplinkedin+2​

• T-Street Productions Backgroundwikipedia​