Rumored Title and an Unconventional Cinematic Concept

According to reports published by Hollywood trade outlet Variety, the project is rumored to be titled The Origin of the World. The film marks Corbet’s immediate directorial follow-up to his monumental 2024 historical epic The Brutalist, which took the industry by storm and recently landed 10 Academy Award nominations—including a Best Actor nod for Adrien Brody, alongside nominations for Best Cinematography and Original Score.

While concrete plot details are being kept strictly under wraps, Corbet teased the nature of the project in late 2025, revealing that it would be an “X-rated” feature set primarily against the backdrop of the 1970s. “The film spans from the 19th century into the present day, it’s just predominantly focused on the ’70s. The film is really, really genre-defying,” Corbet noted. On a technical front, the production is pushing artistic boundaries by being shot on an exceptionally rare eight-perf 65mm film camera format.

A Star-Studded Production Team and Fassbender’s Busy Roster

The film will be produced by David Kaplan and Andrew Morrison under the Kaplan Morrison production banner. News of the negotiation arrives as Fassbender attends the ongoing Cannes Film Festival, promoting the highly anticipated South Korean sci-fi thriller Hope, directed by Na Hong-jin. In that project, Fassbender stars alongside an international ensemble including his wife Alicia Vikander, Taylor Russell, and breakout star Jung Ho-yeon.

Fassbender has been on a prolific run, recently starring on the big screen in Steven Soderbergh’s espionage thriller Black Bag and the critically acclaimed Irish feature Kneecap, as well as headlining the Paramount+ spy thriller series The Agency: Central Intelligence. This upcoming project will mark Corbet’s fourth directorial feature, following his previous distinct works The Childhood of a Leader, Vox Lux, and The Brutalist.

Disclaimer: This entertainment report is compiled from official industry trade filings, Cannes Film Festival coverage, and press dispatches available as of May 16, 2026. Final production timelines, official title confirmations, and casting agreements are subject to change pending formal studio releases.

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Strategic Shifts: The Director’s Perspective

Thierry Fremaux acknowledged the lighter presence of major studio premieres this year but noted that this is a result of calculated business decisions rather than a snub to the festival. “Each studio, producer, and author has their own strategy,” Fremaux explained. He suggested that shifting release dates and increasingly complex marketing plans are influencing these choices more than ever before.

While he expressed hope for a stronger studio presence in the future, he remained confident in the festival’s current lineup.

The “Cannes Effect” on Box Office

The relationship between Hollywood and Cannes has seen some friction in recent years. High-budget films like Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Elemental, and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga premiered at the festival to mixed reviews, which some analysts believe cooled their subsequent box office performance.

Fremaux, however, pushed back against the idea that a Cannes premiere is a risk. He pointed to massive success stories like:

• Top Gun: Maverick: Followed its Cannes premiere to become a $1.5 billion global phenomenon.
• Elvis: Turned Austin Butler into a household name and an awards-season heavyweight.

Hollywood Isn’t Entirely Absent

Despite fewer massive premieres, American cinema remains a core part of the festival. Universal Pictures has proposed a special midnight screening to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Fast & Furious franchise. This event coincides with Vin Diesel’s recent announcement of four new TV series expanding the action universe.

Additionally, the festival features new works from acclaimed American directors such as James Gray, Ira Sachs, and Steven Soderbergh, proving that the U.S. presence is still deeply felt in the artistic categories.

Conclusion

The 79th Cannes Film Festival continues to be the world’s most prestigious stage for cinema. While major studios may be playing it safe with their marketing strategies this year, the festival director remains optimistic that the intersection of high art and big-budget spectacle will continue to define Cannes for years to come.

Disclaimer: This report is based on official press conferences and international media reports from the Cannes Film Festival. Film schedules and studio participation are subject to change based on industry developments.

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