Paul Bettany Plays a Fading Pop Star in 'It's Alright' AFM Launch

Paul Bettany will play an ageing pop star on the brink of financial ruin in "It's Alright," a feel-good comedy he co-wrote, launching international sales at the American Film Market (AFM) through Protagonist Pictures. CAA Media Finance handles U.S. rights. Production begins early 2027.

Bettany stars opposite Asha Banks ("My Fault: London," "Your Fault: London") as his estranged daughter, an aspiring singer-songwriter. Colin Firth ("The King's Speech," "A Single Man") and Gugu Mbatha-Raw ("Fuze," "Surface") round out the principal cast. Scott Stewart ("Dark Skies") directs from a script he wrote with Bettany, reuniting the pair after "Legion" and "Priest." The film is described as being about the "power of music to inspire, heal our hearts and unite family."

What is the story?

The plot follows fading pop star Peter Sayer (Bettany), spurred by a bombshell letter to meet the 19-year-old daughter who has no idea he exists. He watches Georgie (Banks) perform in her hometown, panics, and poses as a music producer. He takes her to London promising to collaborate on her demo; as their creative partnership flourishes, Georgie helps revive Peter's struggling comeback. When an industry mogul pressures Peter away from his musical vision, he must choose between commercial success and protecting the magic he and his daughter created together.

Not a musical, but "brimming" with original songs performed by Banks, Bettany and other cast members. Banks will also write original songs for the film.

Who is making the music?

BAFTA-winning producer Marius de Vries — whose credits include "La La Land," "Moulin Rouge!" and "CODA" — will produce the original soundtrack, released by Universal Music. Banks arrives with genuine pop credentials: three EPs, over 45 million Spotify streams, and a slot in Variety's Power of Young Hollywood Impact Report. Protagonist's Dave Bishop calls her "one of Universal Music Group's most exciting new talents."

Who said what?

Director Stewart framed the project in personal terms. "At its heart, 'It's Alright' is a story about second chances and the extraordinary power of music to bring people together," he said. "Paul and I wanted to tell a story that is funny, moving and full of life, about two people who find their way back to themselves through each other. With Paul and Asha bringing both their acting talent and musical instincts to these characters, an incredible supporting cast, and Marius de Vries shaping the soundtrack, we have all the ingredients to make something truly special. I can't wait to bring it to the screen."

Banks called the role a first. "Being a part of a project where film and music can come together so seamlessly is a real dream come true," she said. "Georgie is unlike any character I've played and writing her music for 'IT'S ALRIGHT' has been the most fulfilling creative challenge. I can't wait to bring my two passions together on set and work with Paul and the rest of this truly unbelievable cast!"

Bishop added the sales pitch: "We're thrilled to be launching sales on 'It's Alright' at AFM which has all the ingredients to be an instant classic and connect with audiences worldwide. Filled with heart, emotion and incredible original songs, Paul Bettany and Asha Banks will bring to life these two lost souls who save each other through their music. Films that genuinely have true warmth, heart and feel good magic are rare treasures, 'It's Alright' has it all."

Who produces and represents?

Raindog Films and Pacesetter Productions produce, with Trish D Chetty and Ged Doherty (Raindog) and Jessica Rhoades (Pacesetter) producing. Alison Mo Massey, Bettany and Hélène Theodoly serve as executive producers, alongside Protagonist's Dave Bishop, George Hamilton and James Pugh.

Representation, for the record: Bettany is with UTA and Affirmative Entertainment. Banks is repped by Sarah Camlett at Independent Talent Group, Will Harper of Sequoia Music Management and ACE PR. Firth is with Independent Talent (U.K.), CAA (U.S.) and Prosper. Mbatha-Raw is with CAA, Curtis Brown, Anonymous Content and Public Eye Communications.

AFM buyers now get first crack at a package that pairs an Oscar-adjacent cast with a soundtrack pedigree. Whether "instant classic" materializes is another matter. The market will render its verdict in Las Vegas.