Lily McInerny Replaced Sadie Soverall in Western Drama
Lily McInerny has stepped into the lead role for director Brady Corbet's upcoming 1970s film, The Origin of the World.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Film — General
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Lily McInerny has been cast as the lead in the Western drama mystery The Origin of the World, replacing Sadie Soverall. The production, which features a star-studded cast, is currently filming in Portugal.
Why it matters
The casting shift marks a significant change for the ambitious project, which is set to span 150 years of history. With major stars like Selena Gomez and Michael Fassbender attached, the production is positioning itself as a major cinematic event.
The Origin of the World is expected to have a massive runtime of nearly four hours. The narrative scope is similarly expansive, with a plot that covers 150 years of history.
The players
Lily McInerny
She is the actor who has replaced the original lead in the upcoming Western drama mystery.
Sadie Soverall
She was the actress originally cast in the lead role for the project.
Brady Corbet
He is the director overseeing the development and production of this expansive film.
Michael Fassbender
He is a prominent actor cast in the film and was spotted on set in Portugal alongside the new lead.
The details
Lily McInerny, who recently skipped the Toronto International Film Festival to promote her other work, has joined the production in Portugal. She was observed on set with co-star Michael Fassbender for the film directed by Brady Corbet.
Timeline
The film plot covers a span from the 19th century to the present day.
The primary setting for the story is the 1970s.
The finished movie is expected to arrive in 2027.
Industry Dynamics
The project follows a pattern of increasingly long, ambitious auteur-driven films that push the limits of traditional theatrical exhibition like the four-hour theatrical cut. This move aligns with a broader trend of prestige dramas seeking to provide immersive, multi-generational narratives.
Audiences should prepare for a substantial time commitment if they intend to see the film in theaters due to its expected four-hour runtime. The film is currently slated for a 2027 release, meaning fans will have to wait for further trailers or official distribution updates.
The takeaway
The casting change signals a continued focus on prestige projects within the film industry despite the logistical challenges of production. Viewers looking forward to the 2027 release should monitor updates as the lengthy filming process in Portugal concludes.
Further reading
For more news on upcoming projects, visit the Film — General section.
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