LOS ANGELES — Maitland Ward on Tuesday announced she has been cast in the upcoming film Just for You in a lead role, to be helmed by Emmy-nominated director/writer Sonja O’Hara.
The psychological thriller, based on a script by genre scribes Leaving Normal (who also co-produced the ambitious project with Ward), kicked off pre-production in January, starts shooting this summer and is slated for a 2023 release.
Just for You is based on the futuristic premise of a cybersecurity specialist who is attacked in the virtual world of the metaverse, and a woman (Ward) who unleashes her dangerous alter-ego, Vivian, to exact revenge on those responsible.
“I am beyond thrilled for the opportunity to work with such a lauded and innovative up & coming female director; Sonja has such a way with filmmaking that combines real, riveting story and gorgeous art,” said Ward. “My character in Just for You is dark, twisted and exactly what I’m looking for when taking on dramatic roles. It’s a script that takes you on an exciting, wild ride and it’s one that will really push me outside of my comfort zone”.
The psychological thriller, based on a script by genre scribes Leaving Normal (who also co-produced the ambitious project with Ward), kicked off pre-production in January, starts shooting this summer and is slated for a 2023 release.
Just for You is based on the futuristic premise of a cybersecurity specialist who is attacked in the virtual world of the metaverse, and a woman (Ward) who unleashes her dangerous alter-ego, Vivian, to exact revenge on those responsible.
“I am beyond thrilled for the opportunity to work with such a lauded and innovative up & coming female director; Sonja has such a way with filmmaking that combines real, riveting story and gorgeous art,” said Ward. “My character in Just for You is dark, twisted and exactly what I’m looking for when taking on dramatic roles. It’s a script that takes you on an exciting, wild ride and it’s one that will really push me outside of my comfort zone”.
O’Hara, who is represented by WME and Management 360 and recognized as one of ’10 Filmmakers to Watch’ by Independent Magazine, is best known for her acclaimed digital drama series Doomsday; she recently finished directing horror Mid-Century, starring Bruce Dern, Stephen Lang and Shane West, and is eager to begin production on Just for You.
“Like so many, I grew up watching Maitland on ABC and felt like I really knew her; when I learned she was making her return to mainstream film, I was curious. To now get the pleasure to not only direct Maitland, but also share this collaboration with her by playing these complicated characters in this beautiful dark film, well it’s such a cool opportunity," said O’Hara. “Audiences may feel they know her, but we haven’t seen or touched the surface of her capabilities as an artist and person."
“Like so many, I grew up watching Maitland on ABC and felt like I really knew her; when I learned she was making her return to mainstream film, I was curious. To now get the pleasure to not only direct Maitland, but also share this collaboration with her by playing these complicated characters in this beautiful dark film, well it’s such a cool opportunity," said O’Hara. “Audiences may feel they know her, but we haven’t seen or touched the surface of her capabilities as an artist and person."
In addition to her new film, Ward is also touting the September 6 release of her celebrity memoir, Rated X: How Porn Liberated Me from Hollywood, which has already topped Amazon’s pre-sale lists and caught a big buzz with literary reviewers, and the November 7 debut of her upcoming streaming comedy series The Big Time.
“With my upcoming memoir, new comedy series and now working on this feature with such talented people, I am beyond excited for the year to come,” added Ward. “I can’t wait for all these challenges ahead. I am very lucky and truly blessed.”
