In a genre-blurring move that’s sure to intrigue audiences and critics alike, Emmy-nominated powerhouse Issa Rae is set to both star in and produce Good People, Bad Things, a darkly comedic thriller helmed by writer-director Ninian Doff. Backed by entertainment powerhouse MRC, the film promises a surreal, suspense-laced storyline that highlights Rae’s ever-evolving creative range and bold taste in storytelling.
Rae takes center stage as a frazzled woman trapped in what seems to be a never-ending parking garage—only to discover she’s far from alone. It’s a premise as eerie as it is absurd, and with Doff’s signature off-kilter humor and visual style (as seen in his cult horror-comedy Get Duked! and the Grammy-nominated Chemical Brothers video “We’ve Got to Try”), the film is set to deliver a uniquely unsettling ride.
This marks Rae’s third collaboration with MRC, following The Lovebirds (2020) and the Oscar-winning American Fiction (2023). Her Hoorae banner joins forces once again with Present Company Inc. to produce the feature, alongside Laura Tunstall, Stephanie Wilcox, and Montrel McKay. Executive producers include Sara Rastogi for Hoorae, Michelle Craig, and Piero Frescobaldi.
Rae’s track record of genre-defying projects—from HBO’s Insecure to Barbie and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse—speaks to her instinct for meaningful entertainment that also pushes boundaries. With Good People, Bad Things, she further cements her role as a creative force reshaping Hollywood’s landscape.
Meanwhile, MRC continues to build on a rich portfolio that spans the critically acclaimed such as: Saltburn, Fair Play, and the culturally seismic American Fiction and G20. Their upcoming slate—including Wuthering Heights with Margot Robbie and The Only Living Pickpocket in New York—positions the studio at the cutting edge of prestige storytelling.
Rae is represented by CAA and 3 Arts Entertainment, while Doff is repped by UTA. The announcement, originally reported by Deadline, has already sparked conversation across the film community and for good reason.
As anticipation builds, Good People, Bad Things could be one of the most original genre offerings on the horizon, pairing star power with a twisted psychological playground. One thing’s certain: Issa Rae has no intention of playing it safe.
