\n<\/p>\n
\n\tEXCLUSIVE:<\/strong> Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings<\/em>) has taken his first starring role since winning the SAG-AFTRA presidency.<\/p>\n \n\tIn the Scrooge-inspired indie pic Scruggs<\/em>, Astin will star opposite Calvin Kassab, who plays the titular character, and serves as executive producer. Also starring are Donnell Clayton (Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F<\/em>), Andrew Dawe-Collins (Pitchfork<\/em>) and opera singer Sarah Catherine Moore in her film debut.<\/p>\n \n\tSam Logan Khaleghi is the producer on Scruggs<\/em>, which is headed to the Cannes Market. Kassab Pictures is making it in association with SLK Media Group, with Zachary Ruda directing in a freshman e\ufb00ort. Production recently wrapped in Detroit, Michigan, with a plan to release during the 2026 festive season. <\/p>\n \n\tThe film reimagines Charles Dickens\u2019 novel A Christmas Carol<\/em> as an \u201cedgy modern-day take filled with outrageous characters, as it follows a greedy real estate mogul, Edward Scruggs, on a magical journey with three larger-than-life spirits on Christmas Eve,\u201d per the producers.<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cI am thrilled and elated to have the absolute honor of such an amazing cast,\u201d said producer Khaleghi. \u201cWe have a diverse corps of talent that delivers both comedy and drama perfectly in our gritty contemporary take that still maintains the traditions and customs of the original literature.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\t\u201cWe live in a world that needs more empathy,\u201d added Kassab. \u201cThe Scrooge archetype is about compassion through shared human moments.\u201d<\/p>\n \n\tAstin is represented by Jay Schachter at Stewart Talent, Luber Roklin and Brecheen Feldman Breimer Silver & Thompson, LLP. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n