Book Adaptation
Jason Segel Joins Angelina Jolie & Aimee Lou Wood in Anxious People as Filming Begins in London
Jason Segel has officially joined Angelina Jolie and Aimee Lou Wood in the upcoming feature film Anxious People, an adaptation of Fredrik Backman’s acclaimed novel. The project, currently filming in London, is being helmed by Marc Forster, the director behind A Man Called Otto and World War Z, with a screenplay penned by Oscar-nominated writer David Magee.
The ensemble dramedy brings together three powerhouse performers for what is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most anticipated films.
A Quirky Premise With Emotional Punch
Based on Fredrick Backman’s internationally bestselling book, Anxious People unfolds on the day before Christmas Eve, when a botched bank robbery turns into an accidental hostage situation. The reluctant thief, Grace, ends up holding a group of strangers against their will during an open house. What follows is a mix of chaos, dark comedy, and catharsis as secrets spill, insecurities surface, and the unlikely group finds unexpected connections.
The story, known for its heartwarming and humorous exploration of human vulnerability, promises a sharp blend of laughter and poignancy on screen.
Fredrick Backman’s internationally bestselling book, Anxious People
Behind the Scenes
The film is being produced by Fredrik Wikström Nicastro (Hope Studios) and Renée Wolfe (2DUX2), with executive production from Forster, Magee, and Neda Backman. Financing is being handled by Black Bear and World Wide Word, the new financing arm of 2DUX2.
Black Bear will also oversee international sales, while WME Independent is representing the project domestically. Notably, Anxious People marks the first production to utilize Pinewood Studios’ new Indie Film Hub, a dedicated space designed to give independent projects the same production value as larger studio films.
Jason Segel’s Next Chapter
For Jason Segel, best known for his roles in How I Met Your Mother, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and most recently Apple TV+’s Shrinking, this project adds another prestige title to his resume. He is also set to star in Jorma Taccone’s upcoming feature Over Your Dead Body.
Jason Segel with Harrison Ford in Apple TV+’s Shrinking
Jason Segel joins Jolie, who continues to balance Hollywood projects with her humanitarian work, and Sex Education breakout star Aimee Lou Wood, who has quickly become one of Britain’s most sought-after young talents.
With its celebrated source material, a script by David Magee, and a cast combining Hollywood royalty and breakout stars, Anxious People is expected to resonate with both fans of the novel and a wider moviegoing audience. The film blends comedy, drama, and human connection—universal themes that mirror the challenges and absurdities of modern life.
As cameras roll in London, anticipation is already high. Forster’s adaptation looks set to deliver a heartwarming, thought-provoking film that showcases what happens when ordinary people collide under extraordinary circumstances.
