Lena Waithe Joins Star-Studded Cast of ‘Place to Be’

Sydney, Australia – March 20, 2025 – Emmy Award winner Lena Waithe has officially joined the cast of Kornél Mundruczó’s upcoming drama film, ‘Place to Be,’ currently in production at Disney Studios in Sydney. The film not only features a star-studded lineup including Ellen Burstyn, Taika Waititi, Pamela Anderson, and Édgar Ramírez, but also marks a reunion between Mundruczó and co-writer Kata Wéber, who previously collaborated on ‘Pieces of a Woman.’

‘Place to Be’ follows the journey of Brooke, portrayed by Burstyn, and a confused divorcee named Nelson, played by Waititi, as they travel from Chicago to New York City in a quest to return a lost racing pigeon to its rightful owner. Waithe will take on the role of Shy, a character who assists Brooke in her mission.

The film’s producers include Jomon Thomas, Megan Wynn, and Alexander Rodnyansky, with executive producers that include Natalya Pavchinskaya, Stuart Manashil, and the late Kevin Turen. It is being produced with the support of S’YA Concept and funding from the New South Wales government through Screen NSW’s Made in NSW fund.

Mundruczó, a Hungarian filmmaker known for his distinct storytelling style, gained international acclaim with ‘White God‘ and ‘Pieces of a Woman,’ the latter earning Vanessa Kirby an Oscar nomination. ‘Place to Be’ appears to follow suit, presenting compelling narratives intertwined with rich human emotion.

In this film, Anderson plays Brooke’s daughter, who is grappling with the complexities of life after her second marriage, as well as the difficulties of finding appropriate care for her aging mother. Her character, Molly, is described as someone who is anxious about making the right decisions for her family’s well-being.

Waithe, known for her groundbreaking work on ‘Master of None,’ recently joined the cast of ‘Grey's Anatomy‘ as Dr. Evelyn Moore. She has also produced notable projects including the Emmy-nominated documentary ‘Being Mary Tyler Moore.’ Waithe expressed her enthusiasm for joining the cast of ‘Place to Be,’ stating, ‘I’m thrilled to be part of such a talented ensemble and to explore such rich, poignant narratives.’

The film’s release date has yet to be announced, but expectations are high given the pedigree of those involved both in front of and behind the camera. As production continues in Sydney, audiences are eager to see how this unusual story unfolds.