Oscar-winning actress Marcia Gay Harden has been added to the cast of the upcoming sci-fi thriller Renner. The movie is scripted, directed, and produced by Robert Rippberger. Harden, renowned for her performances in Pollock and Mystic River, will lend her voice to the character Salenus, an AI companion. Salenus is crafted by the film's protagonist, Renner, portrayed by Frankie Muniz, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
The narrative of Renner tracks the journey of the computer prodigy Renner as he endeavors to win over his new neighbor, Jamie, played by Violett Beane. Renner enlists the aid of Salenus but soon discovers he has inadvertently incorporated his manipulative mother into the AI. Rippberger collaborated on the screenplay with Martin Medina and Luke Medina. He is also producing the film alongside Medina, KT Kent, Devin Keaton, and Jay Burnley.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Rippberger, in a statement, conveyed his enthusiasm about Harden's involvement in the cast and stated, "I am profoundly honored to have a distinguished performer like Marcia lend her voice to this pivotal technological element that is transforming Hollywood. Throughout history, society has had its oracles. AI represents another shift away from self-thinking and towards maintaining the human essence that distinguishes and immortalizes art. Marcia is a genuine artist and has infused significant depth into the themes of this film."
Harden boasts a prolific career, including a second Academy Award nomination for her role in The Morning Show on Apple TV+. She also appeared in the CBS dramedy So Help Me Todd and the thriller Knox Goes Away directed by Michael Keaton. In 2001, Harden earned the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Lee Krasner in Pollock.
