Mia McKenna-Bruce, fresh off her BAFTA Rising Star win and acclaimed performance in How to Have Sex, has joined the cast of Claire Denis’ upcoming film The Cry of the Guards. According to Deadline exclusive, the British actress will replace Riley Keough in the role, stepping into a project that promises to be one of the most intense dramas of the year.
McKenna-Bruce will head to Senegal next week for principal photography, joining a stellar cast that includes Matt Dillon and Isaach De Bankolé. Dillon, known for his roles in Asteroid City and Drugstore Cowboy, brings his seasoned experience, while De Bankolé reunites with Denis after their collaborations on Chocolat and No Fear, No Die. This project marks Denis’ return to Africa, a continent that has deeply influenced her storytelling.
The Cry of the Guards, previously known as The Fence, centers on a gripping narrative involving four main characters. McKenna-Bruce will play Leoné, whose partner is embroiled in a complex situation surrounding a man demanding the release of his deceased brother’s body, alleged to have died in an industrial mishap. The plot promises a rich tapestry of emotional and political tension, characteristic of Denis’ celebrated works like High Life and Beau Travail.
Though Keough’s departure from the film remains unexplained, McKenna-Bruce’s addition is a testament to her rising profile. Just two years ago, her breakout role in How to Have Sex won her accolades at Cannes and the British Independent Film Awards. Now, she’s poised for even greater heights under Denis’ direction.
The actress is also set to partner with Will Sharpe to announce the BAFTA film nominations at Piccadilly HQ. This year’s nominations come at a somber time, as the industry grapples with the devastating wildfires in Southern California. The tragic events have displaced thousands, including many from the screen industry, casting a shadow over the awards season.
McKenna-Bruce will next lead Netflix’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s The Seven Dials Mystery, portraying the inquisitive sleuth Lady Eileen “Bundle” Brent. The series boasts a star-studded cast, including Helena Bonham Carter and Martin Freeman, and promises to be a delightful addition to Christie’s legacy.
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