Eenie Meanie Release Date, Storyline, and Everything You Need to Know
In Cleveland, where the city meets the screen, we have a new thriller in the works. Énien Meenie,” the feature debut from the director Shawn Simmons, catapults the audience into the adrenaline-fueled life of Edie, a former teenage getaway driver sucked back into her perilous past. This new heist thriller from 20th Century Studios should have action, suspense, and high-stakes drama in spades when it reaches Hulu.
Road To Release: What You Can Expect
20th Century Studios will release Eenie Meanie straight-to-Hulu, with no release date yet announced. The move mirrors studios debuting premium content exclusively on streaming outlets, a digital-release strategy.
Set in the heist thriller genre, the film promises riveting action sequences—especially car chases that reveal Edie’s impressive driving prowess. Focusing on a getaway driver who happens to be a woman, Eenie Meanie joins the driving-focused action subgenre of films like Baby Driver and Drive but with a new angle—its female protagonist.
The filming locations at Cleveland and Toledo will provide the film with a unique Midwestern-American setting, something very different from the familiar heist-movie locales of Los Angeles or New York City. Its working title, “Stickshift,” could indicate it’ll feature realistic driving sequences with manual vehicles for car aficionados.
The Story Behind The Wheel
Ese Meanie centers on Edie, portrayed by Samara Weaving, who believes she has left her life of crime behind. Her everyday life is turned upside down when a former boss presents her with an offer she can’t refuse: returning to her old life to save her unreliable ex-boyfriend’s life. The movie deals with loyalty, redemption, and trying to break free from the past.
I found the title “Eenie Meanie” amusing—not just an overt one like the classic counting game from childhood, but relatively weak players in the hand of fate paddling—but ultimately a most challenging choice set for our protagonist. Like the game rhymes of “eenie, meenie, miney, mo,” Edie decides who gets to live and who doesn’t.
Young actress Elle Graham plays Edie in her teens, packing her into the getaway seat during her first test as a getaway driver. This backstory enriches Weaving’s character and gives viewers insight into the skills and trauma that have left a mark on her.
A Star-Studded Cast Gets Behind The Wheel
Samara Weaving stars in an incredible cast for Eenie Meanie. The Australian actress (who made her name in such films as Ready or Not and Nine Perfect Strangers) occupies a newfound balance of vulnerability and toughness in her take on Edie.
Karl Glusman appears as John, Edie’s ex-boyfriend, whose life is at stake. You’re also a star, veteran actor Andy Garcia, who plays Nico, probably the former employer that drags Edie back into her criminal past. Steve Zahn portrays Edie’s father, and Randall Park also appears as Leo, whose details are being kept under wraps.
Curiously cast, ex-NFL star Marshawn Lynch plays Perm Walters. Since retiring from football, Lynch has continued building his acting career — an entertaining dynamic with this cast. Mike O’Malley and young actress Penelope Lou complete the announced roles as George and Sadie.
Behind the Scenes: The Making Of Eenie Meanie
James Mangold is still attached to direct Eenie Meanie, which is set up at 20th Century Studios, where the rights to the Shawn Simmons thriller script were acquired in September 2021. Simmons, the creator of the YouTube Premium series “Wayne,” makes his feature film directorial debut here.
Wernick and Reese, who previously collaborated on the “Deadpool” franchise, brought their experience combining comedy with action to the high-stakes adventure surrounding the production. Their participation indicates the possible tone of the film—fast-paced action with bursts of humor.
By July 2023, the project had a title, and its first star, Samara Weaving, committed to portraying Edie. The cast grew, with Karl Glusman added in March 2024 and Kyanna Simone and Randall Park in April. Additional cast members include Andy Garcia, Jermaine Fowler, Marshawn Lynch, Chris Bauer, Steve Zahn, and Mike O’Malley; the rules were added in May.
Shooting for the pic began in April 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio, with the working title “Stickshift” — a reference to the film’s driving theme. The production, with Tim Ives on cinematography, was also shot in nearby Lakewood and Toledo. One of the filming locations was the Hollywood Casino in Toledo, hinting that the story may involve gambling or a heist at a casino.
Filming lasted roughly two months, and the production closed on June 29, 2024. However, that $50 million budget also hints that the studio believes in that project, and as such, fans should expect high-quality production values and action sequences.
The People Who Brought It All To Life: Behind The Camera
First-time feature director Shawn Simmons, who created and wrote the action-comedy series “Wayne,” is behind Eenie Meanie. His pedigree suggests that the film will marry thrilling action with character-driven storytelling.
The show’s cinematographer, Tim Ives, whose credits include “Stranger Things” and “Russian Doll,” brings his visual style to the project. His experience with action and character-driven stories makes him ideal for balancing high-speed sequences with emotional moments.
Producers Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick have made a name for themselves with action films that mix heart and humor, especially with the “Deadpool” and “Zombieland” franchises. Their involvement also suggests that Eenie Meanie may have some comedy thrown in along with its thriller elements.
The film is a big bet, with a $50 million budget for 20th Century Studios, something they don’t do often, but it indicates a desire to build original content for the streaming space. It’s like how Disney, the parent company, is doubling down on developing more niche programming that works on their streaming platforms, hence the studio’s Hulu choice.
Where To Watch Eenie Meanie
Eenie Meanie will be a Hulu exclusive upon its release. The R-rated film was made under the banner of 20th Century Studios when studios believed in creating premium content for the streamer. Although there’s been no announcement on a theatrical release, the film’s $50 million budget indicates significant production values that home watchers can enjoy in their own space.
The film will be available to Hulu subscribers as soon as it releases. However, those without subscriptions must sign up for the streaming service to see this highly anticipated heist thriller. Details on international distribution for viewers outside the U.S. have not yet been released.
FAQ
When is the release date for Eenie Meanie?
Though a specific release date has not been revealed, the film wrapped up shooting in June 2024, and it’s likely to hit Hulu sometime at the end of 2024 or the beginning of 2025.
Is Einie Meanie a movie, all book, or a true story?
No, this is an original story written for the screen by Shawn Simmons.
Will Eenie Meanie be released in theatres?
The film is currently set to hit Hulu. Although no limited theatrical screenings have been announced, they are still possible.
Who is cast as young Edie in the film?
Elle Graham plays the younger version of Samara Weaving’s character, diving into Edie’s early days as a teenage getaway driver.
Did Marshawn Lynch play in the NFL before he got into acting?
Marshawn Lynch, the former star running back in NFLF.L. for teams including the Seattle Seahawks, became an actor.
Final Thoughts
“Eenie Meanie” is a promising new entry to the heist thriller canon. The film is a thrilling chase story with a twist- a female getaway driver- and a stellar cast headed by first-time director Shawn Simmons, who is sure to deliver heart-pounding action and a tale of redemption that will leave you breathless. Fans of thrillers from behind-the-scenes posts have plenty to wait for as production wraps and post begins on this high-octane adventure making a run towards Hulu screens.
It could be the star power of its leads, Samara Weaving and Andy Garcia; the high-octane car chase scenes; or just the emotional redemption arc at the heart of the film — any way you cut it, “Eenie Meanie” is gearing up to be one of the most anticipated thrillers to put viewers in the driver’s seat of a wild ride as one woman guns it back on the road to revenge through her old criminal life.
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