Kayla Anjali is heading to mid-’90s Seattle.
The young actress has joined the cast of Friend Thing, the indie coming-of-age drama marking the feature directorial debut of writer-director Harry Calbom. Anjali announced the news herself on Instagram, revealing she will play Willa in the film.
Deadline first reported Anjali’s casting as part of a wave of new additions to the ensemble. The newcomers also include Emily Deschanel as Anne Madsen, Ryder Allen as Lane Madsen, Carrie Brownstein as Louise McCready, Nick Thune as Gil Calder, and musician Holden Jaffe, known as Del Water Gap. They are joined by young actors Recker Eans, Milo Maharlika, Stella Grace Fitzgerald, newcomer Krishna Thea, and Dylan Bruce.
They join the previously announced Alfie Williams, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, Lewis Black, Adam Ray, and Pete Holmes.
Set in mid-1990s Seattle, Friend Thing follows a sensitive fourteen-year-old boy who falls for a magnetic new girl, until heartbreak and a family tragedy force him to decide what kind of friend he wants to be.
Production on the film wrapped in Seattle last week, and the project landed an impressive music get: Pearl Jam has granted the film rights to use their music during its anticipated festival run. The film is produced by Bryce Cyrier, Honna Kimmerer, and Ladd Moore, with casting by Danielle Aufiero and Amber Horn.
“I’m humbled by the extraordinary group of people who have said yes to this film,” Calbom told Deadline. “The cast is beyond what I ever imagined, Pearl Jam’s music is woven into the story, and we have an incredible crew bringing it all to life. It’s the dream team I hoped to build around this project.”
In her Instagram announcement, Anjali shared that she “absolutely fell in love with this character and is beyond excited to be part of such a special film,” thanking the production, the casting team, and her reps.
Anjali’s credits include The Pitt and Paradise.