Annapurna Pictures and director Jay Roach have cast veteran actor Malcolm McDowell to portray media magnate Rupert Murdoch in their forthcoming film about alleged sexism and sexual misconduct at Fox News. The untitled project centers on the women who challenged workplace harassment and discrimination at the network, and the events that contributed to the removal of former Fox News chief executive Roger Ailes.
Malcolm McDowell (left), Rupert Murdoch (right).
The screenplay is written by Charles Randolph, known for his work on The Big Short. This film will be produced by Annapurna and directed by Jay Roach, reuniting talent that has worked on high-profile projects that blend topical subject matter with dramatic storytelling. Annapurna’s production follows its involvement with politically themed cinema and is expected to continue the company’s profile for ambitious, ensemble-driven films.
Reports indicate that McDowell will take on the role of Rupert Murdoch, adding another established performer to a growing ensemble cast. Recent casting announcements have included John Lithgow in the role of Roger Ailes and Allison Janney as Susan Estrich, Ailes’ attorney. High-profile actresses Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie are also attached in key parts, portraying figures who were prominent in national conversations about Fox News: Theron as Megyn Kelly, Kidman as Gretchen Carlson, and Robbie in a role described as an associate producer. These additions underline the film’s focus on the experiences of women inside the company and the legal and cultural battles that followed.
Sources suggest that two of the more prominent roles still to be cast may be those representing Greta Van Susteren and Bill O’Reilly, though producers have not confirmed names for these parts. The ensemble nature of the picture points to a narrative that will follow multiple perspectives, emphasizing both individual stories and the institutional dynamics that shaped them.
Director Jay Roach and writer Charles Randolph are expected to frame the story around the legal and personal struggles of the women who brought forward allegations of harassment and discrimination, exploring how those complaints intersected with power, media influence, and corporate governance. The production’s approach appears to be dramatized and character-driven, aiming to convey the human impact of the allegations while situating them in a broader media and cultural context.
At this stage, the project has not announced a release date and details about the production schedule remain unconfirmed. Casting continues to develop, and Annapurna has not released an official timeline for filming. Given the number of high-profile cast members attached, industry observers anticipate a production designed for wide attention and discussion.
As the film progresses toward production, it will likely draw attention both for its subject matter—allegations of sexism and alleged misconduct at a major cable news network—and for the ensemble of actors assembled to depict the people involved. The participation of established performers such as Malcolm McDowell, John Lithgow and Allison Janney, along with well-known actresses like Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie, signals the scale and ambition of the project.
Further announcements from Annapurna Pictures, Jay Roach or the film’s representatives should provide casting confirmations, production dates and other details as they become available. For now, the film remains untitled and in development, with casting news continuing to shape expectations for a dramatization of a high-profile media controversy.