Halle Bailey is adding another major film credit to her growing résumé, appearing alongside Julianne Moore and Paul Giamatti in A24’s upcoming musical comedy The Debut, the latest directorial effort from Jesse Eisenberg.
A24 released the first trailer for the R-rated film on June 23, offering audiences an early look at Eisenberg’s follow-up to A Real Pain, which won Kieran Culkin an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
According to Deadline, the movie centers on Mona Friedman, played by Moore, a reserved housewife who becomes consumed by her newfound role in a New Jersey community theater production. Bailey appears as one of the actors in the troupe, warning Moore’s character, “Jerry is going to test you, and push you, and drag you through the mud,” referring to the domineering director portrayed by Giamatti.
Set for release this fall, The Debut reunites Eisenberg with A24 and several collaborators from his previous projects. In addition to Moore, the cast includes Cara Buono, Craig Bierko, Bernadette Peters, and Eisenberg himself.
The filmmaker has steadily established himself behind the camera after earning acclaim for When You Finish Saving the World and A Real Pain, the latter of which helped Kieran Culkin secure an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
For Bailey, the new role arrives during a busy period that has seen her balance Hollywood projects with motherhood. Earlier this year, the 26-year-old reflected on how becoming a mother to her son, Halo, changed her outlook on life.
“After I had my baby, I was like, ‘I’m grown-grown now,’” Bailey said, adding that Halo has made her “more sure of myself and confident in my voice.”
Calling “stronger” her word for 2026, the actress also credited the women around her for helping her navigate life as a working single mother. “You don’t do it alone,” she said. “I feel grateful that I have beautiful women in my life that surround me and lift me up and that are my village.”
Those comments came after a turbulent chapter in her personal life. Bailey and DDG ended their relationship in October 2024 after more than two years together.
The former couple, who welcomed Halo in December 2023, later became embroiled in a highly publicized custody dispute. By 2026, reports indicated the pair were working through a co-parenting arrangement while continuing to raise their son.
Despite the headlines surrounding her personal life, Bailey has continued to build momentum professionally. She recently had a hit with You, Me & Tuscany and has spoken about bringing Halo with her while working overseas.
