‘Riverdale’ Star KJ Apa, Sofia Carson Join Pandemic Movie ‘Songbird’

KJ Apa and Sofia Carson will star in the pandemic thriller “Songbird,” joining previously announced cast members Demi Moore, Bradley Whitford, Craig Robinson, Jenna Ortega, Paul Walter Hauser and Peter Stormare.

“Songbird” producers announced on July 8 that they had launched principal photography in Los Angeles — the first film to shoot in the city since the start of coronavirus-induced lockdown. SAG-AFTRA issued a “do not work” order on the production on July 2, but rescinded it the next day.

The movie is directed by Adam Mason, who also wrote the script with Simon Boyes. Producers are former Paramount production chief Adam Goodman and former Disney exec Andrew Sugerman’s Invisible Narratives, with Catchlight Films and Michael Bay also producing.

“Songbird” takes place two years in the future, as a lockdown (to prevent the spread of coronavirus) is re-implemented after a more serious virus continues to mutate. The movie centers around an essential worker, played by Apa, who has a rare immunity and is therefore able to work as a delivery man. Carson portrays his girlfriend, who’s sheltering at home. To be with the one he loves, he must overcome martial law, murderous vigilantes and a powerful family, headed by Moore’s character.

Apa is best known for starring in “Riverdale.” He recently appeared in Lionsgate’s “I Still Believe,” which marked his first leading role in a studio movie. Carson currently stars in the Netflix feature film “Feel the Beat.”

Apa is repped by UTA, Mandy Jacobsen at Red11 Management, Matt Luber at Luber Roklin Entertainment and Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner & Klein. Carson is repped by WME, Ziffren Brittenham and Kleinberg Lange Cuddy & Carlo. ICM Partners and Endeavor Content are handling worldwide sales for the film.

Subscribe to Variety Newsletters and Email Alerts!