In the past, fans engaged in the
"six degrees of Kevin Bacon"
game at the Sundance Film Festival, or any other location. However, in 2024,
the focus has shifted to connecting the dots among the alumni of Mike White's
"The White Lotus."
 |
| Meghann Fahey and Will Sharpe |
The actors from the Emmy Award-winning vacation anthology series have transitioned back to the mainland and are actively participating in a variety of independent films. Here's an overview of the White Lotus stars making waves at Park City this year and the reasons behind their presence.
Aubrey Plaza
Following a well-received
performance in "Emily the Criminal,"
the actress and producer returns to the festival, taking on a role in Megan
Park's comedy "My Old Ass."
In this film, she stars alongside Maisy Stella, Maddie Ziegler, Kerrice Brooks,
and Percy Hynes White. The storyline revolves around the character Elliott
(played by Stella), a bright and irreverent individual who, during a mushroom
trip, comes face-to-face with her older self, portrayed by Plaza.
 |
| Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza in Megan Park’s My Old Ass, an official Premieres selection at Sundance |
This encounter sets off a humorous and heartfelt journey of self-discovery and first love, as Elliott prepares to leave her childhood home the summer before college. "My Old Ass" also boasts some Barbie pedigree, being produced by Margot Robbie and her LuckyChap team, including Tom Ackerley and Josey McNamara, along with Steven Rales.
Meghann Fahy
The multi-talented individual, recognized for her role as Daphne Sullivan in The White Lotus Season Two, has landed in Utah to showcase her involvement in Caroline Lindy's "Your Monster." Described as a "genre-defying monster mash that's equal parts twisted and romantic with a dash of musical whimsy," according to the festival website, the plot revolves around a soft-spoken actress named Laura Franco, portrayed by Melissa Barrera of Scream fame.
 |
| Meghann Fahy, center right, poses with her Your Monster costars Tommy Dewey, Melissa Barrera, Kayla Foster and Edmund Donovan at the premiere |
In the storyline, Laura discovers her voice once again when she encounters a "terrifying, yet weirdly charming monster living in her closet." The cast also features Tommy Dewey, Edmund Donovan, and Kayla Foster.
Will Sharpe
The British actor, known for
portraying the husband of Aubrey Plaza's character in The White Lotus Season
Two, has secured a role in actor-director Jesse Eisenberg's latest film,
"A Real Pain." In this movie, he stars alongside Eisenberg himself
and newly-minted Emmy winner Kieran Culkin.
 |
| Will Sharpe, left, is joined by Jennifer Grey, Kieran Culkin and Jesse Eisenberg at a A Real Pain premiere |
The narrative revolves around cousins David and Benji (played by Eisenberg and Culkin) who embark on a tour through Poland to honor their beloved grandmother. The journey takes an unexpected turn as dramatic family tensions resurface. Notably, "A Real Pain" was produced by Emma Stone and her husband Dave McCary. Additionally, Sharpe is set to star in Audrey Diwan's erotic film "Emmanuelle."
Fred Hechinger
The 24-year-old actor, known for
his captivating and nuanced performance as Quinn Mossbacher in the debut season
of The White Lotus, is making waves in Park City this year with another
impactful (and occasionally comedic) role. He shares the screen with the
esteemed June Squibb in "Thelma," where the beloved 94-year-old
actress portrays his character's grandmother. Parker Posey and Clark Gregg
co-star as his parents.
 |
| Fred Hechinger, with the blue scarf, poses with Thelma filmmaker Josh Margolin, star June Squibb and veteran actor Clark Gregg at the premiere |
Written and directed by Josh Margolin, with executive production by Hechinger, "Thelma" follows Squibb's character as she becomes the target of a phone scammer posing as her grandson. Determined not to fall victim, she embarks on a thrilling journey on a scooter to reclaim her money. Hechinger's star continues to ascend with upcoming blockbuster roles in highly anticipated films like "Gladiator 2" and "Kraven the Hunter."
Brittany O’Grady
Sundance describes "It's What's Inside" as a film where a pre-wedding party takes a dive into an existential nightmare when an estranged friend arrives with a mysterious suitcase. This "playful, sexy, and science-fiction-infused" creation comes from the mind of writer-director Greg Jardin.
 |
| Brittany O’Grady, far right, poses with Devon Terrell, Nina Bloomgarden, Reina Hardesty, Madison Davenport, David Thompson, Gavin Leatherwood and James Morosini at the It’s What’s Inside premiere |
O'Grady, known for delivering memorable scenes as Paula opposite Sydney Sweeney in the first season of The White Lotus, takes on a role alongside Alycia Debnam-Carey, Gavin Leatherwood, Nina Bloomgarden, Reina Hardesty, Devon Terrell, David Thompson, and James Morosini. Additionally, O'Grady is set to star in the TV series "Epic."
Connie Britton
The seasoned actress takes center
stage in Susanna Fogel's "Winner," a film that marks the filmmaker's
return to Sundance, following her success with "Cat Person" the
previous year. Fogel reunites with Emilia Jones, the star of "Cat
Person," for this film that delves into the story of Reality Winner, the
NSA contractor turned whistleblower.
 |
| Emilia Jones appears in Winner, which also stars Connie Britton, Zach Galifianakis, Kathryn Newton and Danny Ramirez |
In the premieres section entry, Britton shares the screen with Emilia Jones, Zach Galifianakis, Kathryn Newton, and Danny Ramirez. Following this project, Britton is set to star in "Zero Day" and "Here After."
