Gabriel LaBelle to Lead Dark Thriller 'Not Safe for Life'
Entertainment

Gabriel LaBelle to Lead Dark Thriller 'Not Safe for Life'

authorBy Guillermo del Toro
DateMar 18, 2026
Read time3 min
Gabriel LaBelle, a rising star recognized for his performance in Steven Spielberg's 'The Fabelmans,' is set to take on a leading role in a new film that blends dark comedy with a cyberpunk thriller aesthetic. The project, titled 'Not Safe for Life,' will be directed by acclaimed commercials and music video director Keith Schofield, marking his feature film debut.

Unveiling 'Not Safe for Life': A Cyberpunk Journey

Gabriel LaBelle Joins the Cast of 'Not Safe for Life'

Acclaimed actor Gabriel LaBelle, who gained significant recognition for his work in Steven Spielberg's 'The Fabelmans,' has officially been cast as the protagonist in the upcoming film 'Not Safe for Life.' This darkly comedic thriller is a joint production by Caviar, known for 'The Rider,' and Jon Watts' Freshman Year, the team behind 'Final Destination: Bloodlines.' Principal photography for the movie is scheduled to commence on March 18, with filming primarily taking place in Bulgaria.

Keith Schofield's Directorial Debut

'Not Safe for Life' signifies a major milestone for Keith Schofield, as it marks his inaugural venture into feature film directing. Schofield is widely celebrated for his innovative work in commercials and music videos. His notable achievements include the Duck Sauce music video 'Mesmerize,' which earned him the prestigious Music Video of the Year award at the 2021 UKMVAs, showcasing his unique visual storytelling capabilities.

Exploring the Narrative: Black Comedy Meets Cyberpunk

The film is characterized as an intriguing fusion of black comedy and cyberpunk thriller genres. The plot centers on a solitary man who embarks on a mission to safeguard the reputation of a young woman he barely knows. His quest leads him into the dark and disturbing world of an online message board, where he confronts a group of malevolent internet trolls. This narrative promises a compelling exploration of online culture and its darker consequences.

Behind the Scenes: Production Team and Vision

The production of 'Not Safe for Life' boasts a strong team, with Michael Sagol representing Caviar and Jon Watts for Freshman Year serving as producers. They are joined by Michael M. McGuire in this capacity. Allison Hironaka and Bert Hamelinck are on board as executive producers, contributing their expertise to bring Schofield's vision to life. The collective experience of this team underscores the film's potential for both critical and commercial success.

A Passion Project for the Director

Both the producers and the director have expressed immense enthusiasm for 'Not Safe for Life.' Michael Sagol praised Keith Schofield's distinct artistic touch, highlighting that the director has meticulously crafted a story that resonates with his unique creative style. Jon Watts, celebrated for his work on the 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' trilogy and the Emmy-winning series 'Skeleton Crew,' conveyed his long-standing admiration for Schofield's commercial and music video work. He expressed excitement about supporting Schofield's fresh cinematic perspective as he transitions into feature filmmaking. Schofield himself described the project as a deep passion, humorously adding that the film's blend of humor, terror, intelligence, and absurdity, along with its explicit content, is sure to 'mortify' his parents, underscoring the bold and unconventional nature of his directorial debut.

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