Ramy Youssef’s A24 directorial debut Martha & Muhammad: What we know

Ramy Youssef, the critically acclaimed Egyptian-American comedian and creator of the series "Ramy," is preparing to make his directorial debut with A24 through the comedy "Martha & Muhammad." The film, which has drawn interest from Amanda Seyfried and Sharon Stone, stars Youssef himself as Muhammad, a younger Muslim man, and Amanda Seyfried as a white, widowed New York socialite who becomes romantically involved with him.

The project brings together Youssef's collaborators from "The Bear" and "Uncle Gem," including creators Christopher Storer and Josh Safdie. Youssef's previous work has explored themes of faith, family, and the Muslim-American experience, making "Martha & Muhammad" a natural extension of his storytelling focus. The film's reported premise delves into class, religion, immigration, and the age difference between its central characters, reminiscent of the complex dynamics present in his series.

In addition to Youssef and Stone, the cast is beginning to take shape, with Seyfried and two supporting roles announced. The production is seeking actors to play Mamadou, a Muslim immigrant and close friend of Muhammad, and Amina, a lawyer who specializes in immigration cases. Mamadou and Amina's casting have yet to be officially announced, but the production is actively seeking talent for these roles.

Youssef's directorial journey has been marked by a series of high-profile collaborations. He directed an Emmy-nominated episode of "The Bear," "Honeydew," and has previously worked with acclaimed filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos, who encouraged him to explore film-making. Youssef's company, Cairo Cowboy, has also worked with A24 on the animated series "#1 Happy Family USA."

A24 has not yet set a release date for "Martha & Muhammad," but production is currently underway, with a scheduled shoot between November 23 and January 20 in New York City. The casting notice indicates that these dates are indicative of the production schedule for the disclosed roles, rather than a confirmed timeline for the entire film.