A24 has unveiled the first trailer for the Jesse Eisenberg-directed R-rated musical comedy “The Debut” in which he also stars alongside Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti.
Dubbed “‘Whiplash’ in the community theater world,” the story follows Moore’s Mona Friedman who is a shy, unassuming housewife at first who is cast in a bit part at a small New Jersey community theater.
She transforms into a zealous method actor, willing to do anything to protect the artistic integrity of her marginal role – even if it means waging war against the show’s domineering director (Giamatti).
Eisenberg plays a fellow actor in the troupe, while Halle Bailey plays someone who gives Mona advice. Cara Buono, Craig Bierko, Eldar Isgandarov, and Bernadette Peters co-star.
Eisenberg penned the script while Emma Stone, Dave McCary and Ali Herting produce for Topic Studios and Fruit Tree. Eisenberg last directed “A Real Pain” which won Kieran Culkin an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
Jesse Eisenberg’s THE DEBUT starring Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti. Trailer tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/vZgR8d25GH
— A24 (@A24) June 22, 2026
