Jake Gyllenhaal, a versatile and accomplished actor, has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema through his remarkable career. He burst onto the Hollywood scene in the late 1990s with his debut role in the film ‘City Slickers’ (1991), but his breakthrough performance in ‘Donnie Darko’ (2001) truly put him on the map. This enigmatic portrayal of a troubled teenager showcased Gyllenhaal’s exceptional acting prowess and set the stage for a career filled with critically acclaimed roles.
Throughout his career, Gyllenhaal has taken on a wide range of challenging characters in films such as ‘Brokeback Mountain’ (2005), where he portrays a conflicted cowboy, earning him an Academy Award nomination. He further solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s finest with gripping performances in movies like ‘Nightcrawler‘ (2014), ‘Prisoners’ (2013), and ‘Enemy’ (2013), displaying his ability to immerse himself in complex and psychologically demanding roles. His dedication to his craft has not gone unnoticed, as he has garnered numerous prestigious awards and nominations, including Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations, cementing his place as a true luminary in the world of acting.
Jake Gyllenhaal’s talent and dedication to his craft continue to captivate audiences and critics alike, ensuring his enduring legacy in the film industry. His most recent on-screen appearance was in Guy Ritchie’s ‘The Covenant,’ where he portrayed the character Master Sgt. John Kinley. If you’re still eager for more of his captivating performances, be sure to peruse the list of his upcoming projects below.
1. Presumed Innocent (2024)
Apple’s ‘Presumed Innocent’ is an eagerly anticipated legal thriller miniseries, helmed by creator David E. Kelley and adapted from Scott Turow’s acclaimed 1987 novel of the same title. The gripping storyline follows a prosecutor who finds himself at the center of a murder investigation when one of his colleagues is killed. The series is poised to feature Jake Gyllenhaal in the lead role as Rusty Sabich, supported by a stellar cast including Ruth Negga, Bill Camp, Elizabeth Marvel, Renate Reinsve, and Peter Sarsgaard. It has been directed by Anne Sewitsky and Greg Yaitanes. The first episode of ‘Presumed Innocent’ will drop on Apple TV+ on June 14, 2024. You can watch the trailer here.
2. In the Grey (2025)
Gyllenhaal, Henry Cavill, Eiza González, and Rosamund Pike will be seen together in Guy Ritchie’s next action comedy feature, ‘In the Grey.’ Similar in tone to ‘The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,’ the film, written by Ritchie, will show how two extraction specialists help a female negotiator escape from the secluded island that belongs to a crime boss named Salazar. They plan to rob Salazar of his riches, which amount to billions. The film co-stars Emmett J Scanlan, Christian Ochoa Lavernia, and Fisher Stevens. Currently in post-production, ‘In the Grey’ will be released in theaters on January 17, 2025.
3. The Bride (2025)
Maggie Gyllenhaal is directing a remake of ‘Bride of Frankenstein’ (1935), a sequel to ‘Frankenstein’ (1931). She has also written the screenplay, which is set in 1930s Chicago, underscored by social change. It will follow Frankenstein and Dr. Euphronius as they make a female companion for their monster by bringing a dead woman back to life and addressing her as the Bride. Christian Bale will play the Frankenstein monster, while Jessie Buckley will play the eponymous bride. Jake Gyllenhaal’s role has not yet been revealed. Peter Sarsgaard will play Dr. Euphronius. The rest of the cast includes Penélope Cruz, Annette Bening, Julianne Hough, Linda Emond, and John Magaro. Currently in the filming stage, ‘The Bride’ will be released on October 3, 2025.
4. The Anarchists vs ISIS (TBA)
To be directed by Daniel Espinosa, this film is adapted from a Rolling Stone article by Seth Harp. The article tells the story of a group of American activists, and volunteers who join forces with the Kurdish militia to fight ISIS in Syria. Only Gyllenhaal has been revealed as a cast member for now. The actor also serves as a producer. More details about this intriguing film, now in a turnaround phase, are awaited.
5. Road House 2 (TBA)
Amazon has greenlit the sequel to this year’s ‘Road House’ that featured Gyllenhaal as UFC fighter Dalton. The decision came after the huge response the first film got worldwide, becoming Amazon MGM Studios’ most-watched produced film debut ever worldwide. The sequel will reportedly be more expansive than the first film. Nothing else is known about the project, and it waits to be seen whether Doug Liman returns to direct and if Conor McGregor will be back as Knox, Dalton’s opponent in the first film. More details about this project are awaited.
6. The Son (TBA)
From the minds of creators Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, HBO’s ‘The Son’ is poised to captivate audiences as a gripping crime-drama miniseries. This adaptation draws its inspiration from Jo Nesbø’s novel, ‘The Son.’ The narrative revolves around a convict who orchestrates a daring escape from prison, driven by an unwavering quest to uncover the truth behind his father’s alleged suicide and to pursue those entangled in a far-reaching criminal conspiracy relentlessly. At the heart of this compelling tale is Jake Gyllenhaal, who not only assumes the lead role of Sonny Lofthus but also serves as a producer. ‘The Son’ slowly makes its way toward production, which includes finding a director after Denis Villeneuve left in February 2024 and is currently undergoing development.
7. The Division (TBA)
Netflix is gearing up for an exciting release with ‘The Division,’ an upcoming action thriller movie that serves as an adaptation of the popular video game of the same name. Rafe Judkins has skillfully adapted the screenplay for this project, which will be brought to life under the direction of Rawson Marshall Thurber. Set in the not-so-distant future, the story of ‘The Division’ unfolds after a devastating pandemic virus spreads through the exchange of paper money on Black Friday, leaving New York City in ruins. In response, a team of specially trained civilians is activated to navigate the chaos and attempt to salvage what remains. The impressive cast includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Jessica Chastain, and McKinley Stamper. The project is currently in the turnaround phase and waiting to be developed.
8. Oblivion Song (TBA)
Jake Gyllenhaal is gearing up to headline ‘Oblivion Song,’ a thrilling movie adaptation of Robert Kirkman and Lorenzo De Felici’s gripping graphic novel. The narrative unfolds around a man’s relentless struggle to rescue thousands of individuals who have vanished into the depths of an apocalyptic nightmare known as ‘Oblivion.’ The script for this exciting project is in the hands of Ricky Staub and Dan Walser, with Jake Gyllenhaal also taking on a producing role. While the project has been optioned, we eagerly await further updates on what promises to be a captivating cinematic journey.
9. Francis and the Godfather (TBA)
‘Francis And The Godfather’ promises an illuminating look into the behind-the-scenes drama of the iconic film ‘The Godfather.’ Helmed by director Barry Levinson, who is also writing it along with Andrew Farotte, the film delves into the tumultuous journey of young director Francis Ford Coppola as he grapples with the producer Robert Evans throughout the production of the legendary masterpiece. Jake Gyllenhaal takes on the pivotal role of the former Paramount studio head, Robert Evans, who oversaw the production. Joining him in the cast are acclaimed actors Oscar Isaac, Elle Fanning, and Elisabeth Moss, all set to bring their talent to this captivating narrative. As of now, the project is in the development phase, eagerly anticipated by cinephiles eager for a glimpse into the making of cinematic history.
10. Cut and Run (TBA)
‘Cut & Run’ is an upcoming thriller heist film on the horizon, set to be expertly directed by John Glenn. The riveting plotline revolves around a daring group of thieves specializing in high-stakes super-yacht heists. However, their meticulously planned caper takes an unexpected and perilous turn when they inadvertently pilfer the wrong item from a decidedly dangerous group. At the center of this gripping narrative is Jake Gyllenhaal, who is not only starring as the lead but is also taking on the role of a producer for the project. As the script approaches its final stages of scripting, excitement mounts for this thrilling project.
11. Lake Success (TBA)
Gyllenhaal is reportedly going to headline a new mini-series from HBO Max. It has Stheyngart and Tom Spezialy as its writers, who have adapted it from Gary Shteyngart’s book. The plot follows a Manhattan-based narcissistic and delusional hedge fund manager named Barry Cohen (Gyllenhaal), who leaves his family and sets off on a cross-country bus ride to find his ex (girlfriend from college) and try to reignite their love one last time. Meanwhile, his wife Seema begins her own affair while raising her and Barry’s autistic son. Gyllenhaal will also be executive producing. No other cast has been revealed but since the project has reached a turnaround phase after remaining dormant for years, we can expect more news in the coming months, especially about production and a potential release date or year.
12. Snow Blind (TBA)
Another Apple production with Gustav Möller as the director, ‘Snow Blind’ is the third turnaround project for Gyllenhaal. It will be a thriller flick based on the BOOM! Studios graphic novel by Ollie Masters and Tyler Jenkins. Patrick Ness is adapting the script for the screen. The story follows a high-school boy who comes to know that his family has been under the Witness Protection Program for many years and someone is looking for them, perhaps not in a good way. The only other cast member who was revealed is Rolando Davila-Beltran. More details about the rest of the cast, the production, and the release are awaited.
Read More: Is Brokeback Mountain Based on a True Story?
