Sponsor (upcoming film)

Sponsor
Sponsor
Directed by	James Ponsoldt
Written by	Jason Segel; James Ponsoldt;
Produced by	James Ponsoldt; Jason Segel; Michael Bay; Brad Fuller; Alex Ginno;
Starring	Jason Segel; John C. Reilly; Amy Madigan; Justine Lupe;
Cinematography	Jonathan Sela
Production; companies	Apple Studios; Platinum Dunes;
Distributed by	Apple TV
Country	United States
Language	English

Sponsor is an upcoming American psychological thriller film directed by James Ponsoldt, who co-wrote the screenplay with Jason Segel. It stars Segel, John C. Reilly, Amy Madigan, and Justine Lupe.

Premise

Following a drunk driving arrest, a man finds a sponsor for his recovery program.

Cast

Jason Segel as Peter
John C. Reilly as Jerry, Peter's sponsor
Amy Madigan
Justine Lupe
Patrick Fabian as Randall
Rose Rollins as Deborah
Bob Glouberman as Ronald

Production

It was announced in May 2025 that Jason Segel was set to star in the film, which he would co-write the screenplay with the film's director James Ponsoldt.^[1] In October, the film was acquired by Apple TV.^[2] In December, John C. Reilly and Amy Madigan were added to the cast,^[3]^[4] with Justine Lupe joining in January 2026.^[5]

Production began on January 20, 2026, in Los Angeles.^[6] Filming took place in Half Moon Bay from February 17 to February 19, 2026, using the working title Drumettes.^[7] Jonathan Sela served as the cinematographer.^[8]

References

↑ Ntim, Zac (May 12, 2025). "Jason Segel To Lead Psychological Thriller 'Sponsor', UTA & MK2 Launching In Cannes". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
↑ Kroll, Justin (October 22, 2025). "Apple Boards Platinum Dunes Thriller 'Sponsor', Reuniting With 'Shrinking' Star Jason Segel And Director James Ponsoldt". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
↑ Grobar, Matt (December 16, 2025). "John C. Reilly Joins Jason Segel In Apple Thriller 'Sponsor'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
↑ Kroll, Justin (December 17, 2025). "'Weapons' Star Amy Madigan Joins Jason Segel In Apple Thriller 'Sponsor'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (January 8, 2026). "Justine Lupe Joins Apple Thriller 'Sponsor' Opposite Jason Segel, John C. Reilly & Amy Madigan". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
↑ "Sponsor". Film & Television Industry Alliance. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
↑ Karoff, Timothy (February 20, 2026). "Major film starring Jason Segel and John C. Reilly shoots around a Bay Area town". SFGate. Retrieved February 26, 2026.
↑ "Jonathan Sela" (PDF).

External links

Sponsor at IMDb

[1] Ntim, Zac (May 12, 2025). "Jason Segel To Lead Psychological Thriller 'Sponsor', UTA & MK2 Launching In Cannes". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 7, 2026.

[2] Kroll, Justin (October 22, 2025). "Apple Boards Platinum Dunes Thriller 'Sponsor', Reuniting With 'Shrinking' Star Jason Segel And Director James Ponsoldt". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 7, 2026.

[3] Grobar, Matt (December 16, 2025). "John C. Reilly Joins Jason Segel In Apple Thriller 'Sponsor'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 7, 2026.

[4] Kroll, Justin (December 17, 2025). "'Weapons' Star Amy Madigan Joins Jason Segel In Apple Thriller 'Sponsor'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 7, 2026.

[5] D'Alessandro, Anthony (January 8, 2026). "Justine Lupe Joins Apple Thriller 'Sponsor' Opposite Jason Segel, John C. Reilly & Amy Madigan". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 7, 2026.

[6] "Sponsor". Film & Television Industry Alliance. Retrieved February 7, 2026.

[7] Karoff, Timothy (February 20, 2026). "Major film starring Jason Segel and John C. Reilly shoots around a Bay Area town". SFGate. Retrieved February 26, 2026.

[8] "Jonathan Sela" (PDF).

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