Simone Ashley, known to millions as Kate Sharma from the Netflix hit Bridgerton, has signed on to star in the upcoming A24 comedy Peaked. The film marks the directorial debut of actor Molly Gordon, who is widely recognized for her role in the hit series The Bear.
The project brings together an impressive ensemble cast that includes Oscar-nominated actor Laura Dern, Emma Mackey from Sex Education, and rising star Levon Hawke. According to multiple reports, the film has already begun pre-production and is scheduled to start shooting later this month .
What Is ‘Peaked’ About?
Peaked follows two former high school “queen bees” in their late 20s as they attempt to relive their glory days at their ten-year reunion . The comedy-drama explores what happens when the people who once made high school miserable for others try to recapture that same social status years later.
The script comes from Molly Gordon and Allie Levitan, who also star in the film alongside the newly announced cast members . While specific plot details remain under wraps, the premise centers on the two women who “traumatized you in high school” as they navigate the awkward reality of returning to their old stomping grounds .
Production on Peaked is expected to begin this month, with A24 handling financing and production duties. David Hinojosa, Zach Nutman, and Gordon are producing the project, while Levitan serves as executive producer. Topic Studios has also come on board as a co-financier, continuing their collaboration with Gordon following their work on Theater Camp .
The Growing Cast of ‘Peaked’
The cast of Peaked continues to expand with an impressive mix of established stars and breakout talent. Alongside Simone Ashley and Laura Dern, the film will feature Levon Hawke (Blink Twice), Mitra Jouhari (The Big Sick), and Gabby Windey (The Traitors) .
British-French actor Emma Mackey had already been attached to the project, though her role remains unknown. The same goes for Connor Storrie, the breakout star of the queer hockey drama Heated Rivalry, who is currently in talks to join the production .
For Storrie, this project represents his first major casting since finding international fame in the Crave/HBO Max series. The actor, who plays Russian NHL star Ilya Rozanov in Heated Rivalry, will also host Saturday Night Live on February 28 with musical guest Mumford & Sons .
Allie Levitan and Molly Gordon will also appear in front of the camera, adding to the film’s ensemble dynamic. Gordon, who gained widespread attention for her performance in The Bear, steps behind the camera for this project while balancing her acting duties .
Simone Ashley’s Busy Year Ahead
The Peaked casting news comes during a remarkably busy period for Simone Ashley. The 30-year-old British actor is already attached to several high-profile projects that will keep her in the spotlight throughout 2026.
Most notably, Ashley has joined the cast of The Devil Wears Prada 2, the long-awaited sequel to the 2006 fashion industry classic. She will appear alongside returning stars Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt in the film, which is scheduled for release on May 1 . The sequel reportedly focuses on Miranda Priestly as she navigates the changing landscape of traditional magazines while Emily Charlton, played by Blunt, has risen to become a powerful executive at a luxury group .
Other newcomers to the Devil Wears Prada sequel include Lucy Liu, Justin Theroux, Conrad Ricamora, Pauline Chalamet, B.J. Novak, and Kenneth Branagh . Details about Ashley’s character in the film remain confidential.
Beyond these acting roles, Ashley recently received recognition for her rising star power. The Monte-Carlo Television Festival announced in January that it would present her with the International Golden Nymph Award for Most Promising Talent at its opening ceremony on June 14 . The award honors “exceptional rising talent of an actor who has elevated the bar of excellence to international acclaim.”
Ashley first gained widespread attention for her role as Olivia in Sex Education before landing the breakout part of Kate Sharma in Bridgerton season two. She reprised the role in season three and has since appeared in Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid as Ariel’s sister Indira . Forbes named her to their 30 Under 30 list, and she earned a spot on the Time100 Next list, cementing her status as one of entertainment’s fastest-rising stars.
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A24 Continues Building Impressive Ensemble
For A24, Peaked represents another opportunity to assemble a star-studded cast for an original comedy. The independent studio has built a reputation for backing distinctive voices in film, and Molly Gordon’s transition from actor to director fits that model.
The studio has found particular success with ensemble comedies that blend humor with heartfelt moments, similar to what Gordon and Levitan accomplished with Theater Camp. Gordon’s experience working on that project, which she co-directed and co-wrote, likely prepared her for this larger-scale production.
With production scheduled to begin shortly, fans can expect more casting announcements and plot details to emerge in the coming weeks. The combination of Ashley’s rising profile, Dern’s established credibility, and Gordon’s unique voice as a filmmaker makes Peaked one of the more anticipated indie comedies in development.
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