Kristen Stewart, who rose to global fame as Bella Swan in the 'Twilight' films, has consistently challenged expectations, gravitating toward complex, character-driven roles in the years since. Her upcoming slate further solidifies her reputation for adventurous choices, spanning dark comedies, supernatural thrillers, and a potential biopic.
One of her most anticipated projects is Full Phil, the latest feature from French auteur Quentin Dupieux, known for his uniquely surreal and often hilarious narratives. The film, which premiered to buzz at a midnight screening at the recent Cannes Film Festival, casts Stewart as Madeleine, the daughter of a wealthy American industrialist, Philip Doom (played by Woody Harrelson). In a bizarre twist characteristic of Dupieux's style, Madeleine's eating habits directly impact her father's physical state – the more she eats, the more his stomach grows. Dupieux himself described the film to Variety as "Emily in Paris in hell – a fever dream, a nightmarish version of [the Netflix series]," hinting at its blend of absurdist comedy and body horror. The ensemble cast also includes Charlotte Le Bon, Emma Mackey, and Nassim Lyes, though a theatrical release date has yet to be announced following its Cannes debut.
Stewart is also set to explore the supernatural realm in Flesh of the Gods, directed by Panos Cosmatos, acclaimed for his visceral and stylish cult hit 'Mandy'. Set in 1980s Los Angeles, the film follows a couple, Raoul (Wagner Moura) and Alex (Stewart), who embark on nightly excursions into a subterranean world defined by hedonism and violence. Stewart offered a glimpse into the film's multifaceted nature, telling Vogue France, "It's a fantastic narrative, a vampire film, a breakup story… All of that at once." She added that it's "profoundly sad, because it looks squarely at what it means to be alive."
Her collaboration with celebrated French director Olivier Assayas, which previously yielded critically acclaimed performances in 'Irma Vep' and 'Personal Shopper', will continue with Spiritual World. This film delves into fantasy and the supernatural, with Stewart in the lead role of Ada, a haunted, extrasensory young woman plagued by mysterious premonitions. Co-produced by Arte, the project boasts an impressive international cast including Vicky Krieps, Niels Schneider, Riley Keough, Wagner Moura, and Barbara Sukowa. Filming for 'Spiritual World' is slated for February to April 2027, taking place across France and Germany.
Beyond these projects, Stewart is attached to Sontag, a biopic about the influential American writer and activist Susan Sontag. Announced in 2024, the film is expected to adopt a hybrid and experimental approach under the direction of Kirsten Johnson. While details remain scarce and the project's concrete development has been slow, it signifies Stewart's continued interest in portraying complex historical figures, following her acclaimed turn as Princess Diana in 'Spencer'.
From a uniquely dark comedy to a stylish vampire flick and a thought-provoking biopic, Kristen Stewart's upcoming films underscore her commitment to diverse storytelling and her willingness to push artistic boundaries, promising an exciting period for her fans.