Jane Levy and Chris Pratt hint at franchise returns; new projects add star power

Franchise returns teased

Jane Levy, known for her role as Mia in the Evil Dead franchise, suggested in an interview with Deadline that her character may return in either Evil Dead Wrath or a future film in the series. While details remain scarce, her comments have fueled speculation about the franchise’s next installment.

Chris Pratt confirmed in a separate interview with Collider that plans are underway for Star-Lord’s return to the MCU. Pratt did not disclose timelines or specific projects, leaving fans to speculate about the character’s future in the cinematic universe.

New projects and casting updates

Samara Weaving has joined the cast of Naughty, a holiday comedy directed by Olivia Wilde. The film, described by Gizmodo as "Bridesmaids in the North Pole," stars Jennifer Aniston as a mother seeking Santa Claus’s—played by Peter Dinklage—help to testify in her custody battle against a gaslighting ex. The ensemble cast also includes Regina Hall, Ike Barinholtz, and Chase Sui Wonders.

Jack O’Connell will play Cillian Murphy’s brother in A Quiet Place Part III, expanding the dynamic of the post-apocalyptic franchise. Details about the storyline remain under wraps.

Cory Michael Smith has been cast in Ari Aster’s Scapegoat, though his role has not been disclosed. The project adds to Aster’s growing portfolio of critically acclaimed films.

Steven Yeun will lead Netflix’s supernatural drama Pagans as Gus, a grieving father raising two children after his wife’s death. The series also features Sabine Grace as Alice, the family’s reclusive daughter, and Logan Kim as Nate, Gus’s dependable but overlooked son. Marin Ireland and Intae Kim round out the cast.

Paramount+ is developing Zero Hour, a sci-fi thriller about an alien invasion. The series is created by Matthew Michael Carnahan and Harrison Query, though no further casting details have been announced.

Adria Arjona’s recent activity on social media—including liking a post by James Gunn featuring a Wonder Woman image—has sparked rumors that she may play the iconic DC character in the upcoming DC Universe (DCU) reboot.

What this means

Lazyfounder analysis — our interpretation, not reported fact.

For founders and operators in the entertainment industry, these developments highlight several trends and opportunities. The return of established franchises like Evil Dead and MCU characters signals that studios are doubling down on intellectual property with built-in audiences, a strategy that reduces risk but demands innovative storytelling to maintain engagement. New projects like Pagans and Naughty demonstrate the continued appeal of genre-driven content, from supernatural dramas to holiday comedies, which can attract both niche and broad audiences.

The involvement of high-profile directors like Olivia Wilde and Ari Aster, alongside A-list actors, underscores the value of creative talent in securing funding and distribution deals. For startups in content production or talent representation, this reinforces the importance of cultivating relationships with emerging and established creators. Additionally, the speculation around Adria Arjona’s potential role in the DCU suggests that studios are increasingly using social media and indirect signals to build anticipation—a tactic that could be useful for smaller players looking to generate buzz without major marketing budgets.

Related on Lazyfounder

• Netflix
• Adult Swim