The romantic drama Next Life, starring Emilia Clarke as an aspiring jazz singer, has been filmed by Vertigo Releasing for the UK and Ireland.
Clarke (Game of Thrones, Me Before You) stars opposite Edgar Ramirez (Emilia Perez) and Jack Farthing (Towards Zero). Femi Koleoso, drummer and leader of the British jazz group Ezra Collective, will also appear in his screen debut.
Next Life, written and directed by Drake Doremus (Zoe and Equals), is set in London’s jazz scene as Clark’s character Ivy navigates two different realities and reconsiders life and love.
“Unfolding both stories simultaneously, Next Life takes us down not one, but two paths in this complex labyrinth we call life,” the synopsis reads.
The film is scheduled to premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 5th and is scheduled to be released in UK and Irish cinemas in autumn 2026.
“I’ve never felt so much joy at work,” Clark told Variety about his experience making the film. “I used to sing jazz a lot when I was younger, so playing a jazz singer[in the film]was really profound.”
Ed Caffrey, Chief Commercial Officer, Vertigo Releasing, said: “We’re thrilled to bring ‘Next Life’ to UK audiences. Drake Doremus has crafted a truly moving and emotionally intelligent love story set against the backdrop of London’s thrilling and vibrant jazz scene, and Emilia Clarke delivers a performance with real warmth and complexity at its heart.”
Next Life is produced by Erica Portnoy of Mutressa, Gleb Fetisov of Fetisov Illusions, Emilia Clarke’s Magical Thinking Pictures, Ben Pugh and Kate Buckley of 42, Doremus and John Palferry Smith.
Mr. Caffrey negotiated a distribution deal with Rocket Science, which handles international sales.
