Jesse Eisenberg's film The Debut to close BFI London Film Festival

The 70th BFI London Film Festival (7‑18 October 2026) will close with the UK premiere of Jesse Eisenberg’s musical comedy‑drama The Debut at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, on 18 October. Eisenberg, who also stars in the film, is expected to attend the Closing Night Gala with cast members including Julianne Moore, Paul Giamatti, Halle Bailey, Havana Rose Liu, Bernadette Peters, Colton Ryan, Lilli Cooper, Maulik Pancholy and Bonnie Milligan. The story follows a shy woman (Moore) unexpectedly cast in a local production of an original musical, drawn into the high‑stakes world of community theatre under an enigmatic director (Giamatti).

Lionsgate will release The Debut in UK cinemas on 15 January 2027, while A24 will handle the US release on 11 December 2026. The film will also debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. The festival opens with Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman starring Elsinore. Eisenberg said, “I am both honored and honoured to be bringing The Debut to the 70th BFI London Film Festival,” and artistic director Kristy Matheson called the film “deliriously funny and heartfelt.”