The casinos of Macau are some of the most famous in the world. Soon, they will welcome one of the world’s most famous movie stars. Colin Farrell is set to star in a new Netflix film that will take place in the Asian gambling hub.

Directed by Edward Berger, The Ballad of a Small Player will feature Oscar nominee Farrell as the gambling protagonist. He is laying low in Macau until his past and debts start to catch up with him.

based on the 2014 novel of the same name by Lawrence Osborne

It is based on the 2014 novel of the same name by Lawrence Osborne. Part ghost story, part psychological thriller, the book made best novel lists for multiple years, including the 100 Notable Books of 2014 in the New York Times.

The film is the first project that forms part of Berger’s partnership with Netflix, via his company Nine Hours. Berger shot to acclaim in 2022 for his German production All Quiet on the Western Front. Also based on a novel and produced for Netflix, it won four Oscars, including Best Foreign Feature Film and Best Original Score.

The Ballad of a Small Player will begin production in summer of 2024.