Noah Schnapp has officially lined up his first movie role since wrapping up a decade-long run on Stranger Things. The 21-year-old actor is set to lead the upcoming thriller Stealing From Pablo, a film inspired by real events from the 1980s. The casting news arrives just as Schnapp prepares for his London stage debut, marking a busy new chapter in his career away from Hawkins.
What Is Stealing From Pablo About
Stealing From Pablo follows Red, a teenager stuck in the foster care system, and his best friend Dylan. The two sneak into an abandoned Florida mansion for an underground skate session. What starts as a thrill quickly turns dangerous when they realize the property belongs to notorious drug kingpin Pablo Escobar. The boys get pulled into Escobar’s violent criminal empire and end up caught between his calculating accountant and his ruthless chief assassin.
The film is directed by Carlos V. Gutierrez, an Emmy-nominated filmmaker whose past work includes Locked In and Stay Safe. Gutierrez has worked with networks like HBO, Showtime, and Peacock throughout his career.
Who Else Is in the Cast
Schnapp leads the film alongside David Mazouz, best known for playing young Bruce Wayne in the Fox series Gotham. Brazilian actor and musician Seu Jorge, who starred in the acclaimed film City of God, also joins the cast. Schnapp and Jorge previously worked together on the 2019 coming-of-age movie Abe, making this a reunion for the two.
Gutierrez explained why Schnapp and Mazouz were the right fit for the lead roles.
“We needed actors who genuinely connected with the genre and felt at home in the world we are building. We really lucked out with this cast. Noah and David are incredible actors. Not only are they at the top of their game, but their parallel journeys growing up in front of the camera give them an unspoken connection that brings an authenticity to the best friend dynamic. Factoring in that they both love to skateboard made them a natural fit. Then when you add in an international superstar like Seu Jorge, we’re really hitting the ground running with this.”
Production Details and TIFF Market Launch
FJ Productions is behind the film, with Fabio Golombek and Shannon Alexander serving as producers. Schnapp, Jorge, Alex Cohen, and Marco Gomez are on board as executive producers. Myriad Pictures will launch world pre-sales for Stealing From Pablo at the Toronto International Film Festival market, giving international buyers their first look at the project.
Kirk D’Amico of Myriad Pictures shared his thoughts on the film’s potential.
“Stealing From Pablo delivers the kind of tense, high-concept storytelling that immediately grabs an audience. Inspired by an extraordinary true story, the film combines the suspense of a crime thriller with compelling young protagonists thrust into unimaginable circumstances. Carlos has assembled a tremendous cast led by Noah Schnapp, David Mazouz, and Seu Jorge, creating a film with both strong commercial appeal and international resonance. We are excited to introduce this project to buyers at TIFF: The Market.”
No release date has been announced for Stealing From Pablo yet. Production start dates have also not been confirmed.
Noah Schnapp’s London Stage Debut in Affluenza
Before Stealing From Pablo begins filming, Schnapp is heading to London for his professional stage debut. He will star in Affluenza, a new play written and directed by Andy Sandberg, a Tony Award-winning producer. The production runs at Riverside Studios from September 26 to November 21, 2026, with press night set for October 5.
Affluenza is set in the wealthy Hamptons and explores what happens after a devastating incident involving a teenager and a drunken car ride. The play looks at questions of wealth, privilege, family legacy, and the American justice system. It draws from true events surrounding a controversial legal defense.
Schnapp will play two different roles in the production. He spoke about the project in a statement.
“I am so excited to make my stage debut in London with ‘Affluenza.’ I started talking with Andy Sandberg a few months ago about finding the right opportunity to work together, and it’s thrilling to now be bringing this play to life in London. I wanted to be very intentional about what I took on next, and as I spend more time with this excellent script, I feel so connected to the characters. Without giving away too much, I get to play two very different roles, and it’s a story that’s really going to leave audiences talking and thinking.”
Sandberg also shared his excitement about working with Schnapp.
“Noah is a brilliant young actor who has captivated audiences on screen, and now London audiences will have the opportunity to see him in his stage debut. I’m honoured that Noah has connected with the script, and I think it speaks volumes that he has chosen an original play for his stage debut.”
From Will Byers to a New Chapter
Schnapp was just 11 years old when Stranger Things premiered on Netflix in 2016. His character, Will Byers, disappeared in the first episode and set the entire series in motion. Over five seasons, Will’s connection to the Upside Down remained a central part of the story. The show became one of Netflix’s biggest hits and made its young cast internationally famous.
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Schnapp’s other screen credits include Bridge of Spies, The Peanuts Movie, Hubie Halloween, Waiting for Anya, and The Tutor. He also voiced characters in The Legend of Hallowaiian and Snoopy’s Grand Adventure.
Other Stranger Things cast members have also moved on to major projects. Sadie Sink has joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe, while Joseph Quinn made his Marvel debut as Johnny Storm in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Gaten Matarazzo is set to appear in the West End revival of Rent, with previews beginning on the same day Affluenza opens.
Fans have shared mixed reactions to Schnapp’s post-Stranger Things moves on social media, with some expressing excitement about his stage work and others debating his career choices. The casting news for Stealing From Pablo has added to the conversation, with many noting the unusual premise and the strong supporting cast.
Also Read: Stranger Things Actor Noah Schnapp Advocates for Therapy, Says Child Actors Live an “Abnormal Life”
Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more updates on the biggest stars and their next big moves.
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