The Splendid Thing
A surreal fantasy-comedy directed by Matthew Modine, starring Liam Neeson and John Cleese. Launching at the Cannes Market 2026 with Hyde Park International handling worldwide sales.
A surreal fantasy epic from a writer-director with a Hollywood pedigree.
The Splendid Thing reunites Matthew Modine in the director's chair with a co-star lineup that includes Liam Neeson — cast in what trade press has described as a "Great Gatsby-esque" lead role — and comedy legend John Cleese of Monty Python.
The film is being launched at the 2026 Cannes Market by Hyde Park International, the sales company behind a long list of international features. It marks one of the most high-profile announcements coming out of Hollywood North Studios' slate and is the project that brings the Indie Planet financing model onto the same stage as the major-studio sales agencies.
Source attribution: Deadline, Variety, ScreenRant, MovieWeb, ComingSoon.Net (May 2026).
Cast & Creative
See the full list of A-list talent Stephen Wallis and Hollywood North Studios have worked with on the Collaborators page.
What the industry is reporting.
Matthew Modine, Liam Neeson & John Cleese Set For 'The Splendid Thing' — Cannes Market
Liam Neeson, John Cleese and Matthew Modine Set for 'The Splendid Thing,' Hyde Park Launching in Cannes
Liam Neeson Sets "Great Gatsby-esque" Role In New Fantasy Movie The Splendid Thing
Liam Neeson Joins Comedy Legend in Surreal New Fantasy Epic
Liam Neeson to Play Great Gatsby-like Character in New Comedy Movie, More Cast Revealed
Liam Neeson to Play Great Gatsby-like Character in New Comedy Movie
Liam Neeson to star in Matthew Modine's The Splendid Thing
Liam Neeson, John Cleese and Matthew Modine Set for 'The Splendid Thing'
The Splendid Thing: Liam Neeson E John Cleese Nel Fantasy Surreale Di Matthew Modine
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The Splendid Thing is being handled through traditional international sales. Indie Planet's mission is to bring that same calibre of project — and that same level of cast — into a marketplace where ordinary backers can take a real stake.