Late Fame

Late Fame (2026)



6.3 2026 97 min —

Director: Kent Jones

Cast: Willem Dafoe, Greta Lee, Jake Lacy, Graham Campbell, Edmund Donovan

Drama
In the bustling heart of New York, a forgotten literary voice begins to echo once more. When a circle of offbeat young artists stumbles upon the long-lost poems of the legendary Ed Saxberger, they find themselves utterly spellbound. This sudden spark of adoration doesn't just revive his dusty manuscripts—it ignites a blazing fire of creative purpose within the aging wordsmith himself. As their worlds collide, the magnetic and enigmatic actress Gloria weaves through their lives, her haunting allure turning inspiration into obsession. A story of rediscovered genius, youthful fascination, and the intoxicating pull of a woman who blurs the line between muse and mirage.

More About This Film

Late Fame follows Ed Saxberger, a former New York poet whose literary work has been forgotten for decades. Living an ordinary life as a postman, Ed is unexpectedly rediscovered by a group of young artists who become fascinated by his earlier writing and invite him into their creative world.

Willem Dafoe stars as Ed opposite Greta Lee as Gloria, an actress and singer whose charisma draws him deeper into the bohemian circle. Directed by Kent Jones, the film explores artistic identity, aging, recognition and the complicated emotions that can emerge when the past suddenly becomes fashionable again.

  • Kent Jones directed the film.
  • The screenplay is based on a novella by Arthur Schnitzler and was written by Samy Burch.
  • Willem Dafoe and Greta Lee lead the principal cast.
  • The film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in 2025 before wider releases in 2026.
  • The runtime is approximately 96 to 97 minutes.

Where to Watch

Late Fame has received theatrical and festival distribution, while digital availability varies by territory and release window.