Deadline brings word that After star Josephine Langford has officially been cast to portray the role of Emma in Amy Poehler’s forthcoming coming-of-age dramedy film Moxie, which is set to make its debut on Netflix.
Langford’s character is being described as the host of the school’s TV announcement program. She will be joining previously announced cast members Hadley Robinson (Utopia), Lauren Tsai (Legion), Ike Barinholtz (Neighbors) and Patrick Schwarzenegger (Midnight Sun).
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Based on the novel by Jennifer Mathieu, Moxie follows the story of a 16 year old teenage girl named Vivian Carter (Robinson), who gets fed up with her high school’s sexist dress codes, hallway harassment, catcalls from guys during class, and the school administration constantly praising the football team as if they can do no wrong. When Viv discovers that her mom was part of a punk rock band called Riot Grrl in the 90s, she gets inspired and creates a feminist zine that she distributes anonymously to girls in her school. Soon, girls from different cliques and popularity rankings have started to respond, leading Viv to head a girl revolution.
Riot Grrl is an underground feminist movement that happened between the late 80s and 90s which combines feminism with punk-style rock music. Bands that associated with the movement often address issues concerning sexuality, domestic abuse, racism, and patriarchy.
Poehler will helm the project through her Paper Kite banner which had successfully acquired the novel last year. The screenplay will be adapted by Tamara Chestna (After). Poehler will produce through Paper Kite alongside Morgan Sackett and Kim Lessing. Filming is scheduled to begin in late October.
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This film will also mark Poehler and Netflix’s third collaboration, who have worked together in the comedy-drama series Russian Doll which had a successful series debut last February 1. Poehler’s directorial debut film Wine Country is currently streaming on Netflix.
