Ramy Youssef and Sharon Stone are set to star in the upcoming A24 comedy “Martha & Muhammad,” according to an exclusive report. The project marks a notable pairing of the “Ramy” creator and the Oscar-nominated actress, though many details about the film remain tightly under wraps.
Youssef, who earned widespread acclaim for his Hulu series “Ramy” and his work in the Oscar-winning drama “Poor Things,” will share the screen with Stone, a veteran of Hollywood who rose to international stardom with hits like “Basic Instinct” and “Casino.” Stone’s recent career has seen her branch into a variety of independent and streaming projects, making the A24 collaboration a significant addition to her eclectic filmography.
A Mysterious Project With High Expectations
As of now, the studio has not released a synopsis, genre classification, or any indication of who will direct the film. The title “Martha & Muhammad” hints at a character-driven story, but without official loglines or set photos, fans are left to speculate about the tone and premise. A24, known for its distinctive and often unconventional releases, has a history of keeping projects under wraps until close to release, so the lack of details is not unusual for the studio.
The project also marks a reunion of sorts for Youssef and A24, following the studio’s production of “Poor Things,” which would go on to win multiple Academy Awards. Youssef’s role in that film, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, showcased his ability to blend comedic timing with dramatic depth, a skill that will likely be tested again in this new feature.
Stone, meanwhile, has been selective with her roles in recent years, but she has consistently gravitated toward bold filmmakers and offbeat material. Her last major studio release was the thriller “Flight Risk” earlier this year, but she has also appeared in smaller projects and has been vocal about seeking roles that challenge conventional expectations.
What We Know So Far
The casting news arrives with very little additional context. No production start date, release window, or distribution plans have been announced beyond A24’s involvement. The film’s runtime and rating are also undetermined at this stage. Industry insiders familiar with the project suggest that the script has been in development for some time, but no writers have been publicly attached.
Given both stars’ comedic backgrounds - Youssef built a career on introspective, often awkward humor, while Stone has shown a deft hand at both drama and comedy - it is reasonable to assume the film will lean into sharp dialogue and character interplay. However, until the studio releases more information, even that remains speculative.
A24’s Continued Streak
“Martha & Muhammad” fits neatly into A24’s recent pattern of pairing established A-list talent with rising voices. The studio has become a dominant force in independent cinema, with recent successes including “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and “The Zone of Interest.” Their ability to attract names like Stone and Youssef suggests confidence in the material, even if the project’s details are being kept deliberately vague.
Youssef’s star has been steadily rising since his stand-up specials and his critically acclaimed series, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. He has also become a recognizable face in the awards circuit, not just for acting but also for his producing work. This new role is expected to continue that upward trajectory.
Stone, whose career spans four decades, brings a level of gravitas and unpredictability that could complement Youssef’s more grounded, observational style. The pairing alone is enough to generate interest among cinephiles, and the promise of an A24 release only adds to the anticipation.
What’s Next
For now, fans will have to wait for official announcements regarding the film’s director, plot, and release strategy. A24 typically premieres its films at major festivals like Toronto, Venice, or Sundance, so an announcement could come as early as this fall if the project is further along than believed.
Both actors have busy schedules - Youssef recently wrapped a comedy tour, and Stone has been involved in several development deals - so filming may not begin until later this year or early next. But the mere confirmation of this collaboration signals a bold and unexpected venture that could become a highlight in both of their careers.
As with most A24 productions, the mystery is part of the allure. “Martha & Muhammad” has already accomplished something important: it has people talking before a single frame has been shot. With two compelling leads and a studio known for taking risks, this is a project worth keeping an eye on.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter