Zayn to make Film Debut opposite Simone Ashley
Former One Direction star Zayn is set to make his film debut opposite Simone Ashley in the animated family comedy movie, 10 Lives.
Comedian and three-time BAFTA winner Mo Gilligan will also be part of the film.
10 Lives is about an extravagant and self-centred cat who takes the lives he has been given for granted.
But after he carelessly loses his ninth life, he begs to be given a second chance, an opportunity to show he can learn from his mistakes.
Eventually, his wish is granted, but with certain, hilarious conditions.
10 Lives is directed by Chris Jenkins, who is known for Duck Duck Goose. It is co-produced by Guy Collins and Sean Feeney for 10 Lives Productions Ltd.
Derry Girls star Dylan Llewellyn and Sophie Okonedo of Hotel Rwanda fame are also set to voice characters in the animated comedy.
Other stars include Bill Nighy and Ted Lasso‘s Jeremy Swift.
The London-based production company Taost has also secured the Chinese distribution rights for the film, as part of their expansion plans into the East.
Once the movie receives approval from the censors, Taost will seek a distribution partner in China. Taost’s President and CEO, Rocky Shi, expressed excitement about the acquisition.
He highlighted China’s massive market for animation and the opportunity to reach a wider audience and build partnerships in the region.
Rocky said: “We are thrilled to have secured the Chinese distribution rights to our film 10 Lives.
“China is a massive market for animation, and securing distribution rights here will allow us to reach a wider audience and build strong partnerships in the region.”
Prior to the announcement, Zayn took to Twitter to express gratitude to his fans.
He thanked everyone who has supported him during the highs and lows of his career, spanning 13 years.
10 Lives will be Zayn’s debut film but he is no stranger to the industry.
He worked on the soundtrack for Fifty Shades Darker and the 2019 live-action remake of Aladdin.
In addition to the film, he is busy working on his fourth album.
His last album was 2021’s Nobody Is Listening.
Meanwhile, for Simone, fans can expect to see her on their screens soon as she reprises her role as Kate Sharma in the highly popular Netflix series Bridgerton.
She previously revealed that the third series continues Kate and Anthony Bridgerton’s (Jonathan Bailey) love story and will show what life is like for them.