EXCLUSIVE: Multi-platinum-selling country star Kane Brown will make his feature film debut opposite Taylor Lautner in The Token Groomsman, a new romantic comedy from director Natalie Simpkins.
The indie follows the career-focused Scott (Lautner), who has hit rock bottom at work when he finds himself invited to be a groomsman at an elite, luxury, destination wedding. The only problem is he doesn’t remember who the groom is! Enticed by the rich and powerful, and hoping to make some new business connections, Scott jets off to Italy planning to blend in and quickly cash out. But when sparks unexpectedly fly with the groom’s sister Mia, Scott has to decide between “closing the deal” for money, or for love.
Brown will play Neil, the best friend and moral compass to Scott. As Scott stumbles through a chaotic weekend, Neil proves a ride-or-die friend who may be the only sane voice in the madness of wedding season.
When casting the part, said Simpkins, “We knew we needed bold, lovable personalities to match the heart and humor of this story. Kane brings something so unique. He has a rare mix of vulnerability and magnetism that’s incredibly compelling.”
Simpkins co-wrote the screenplay for The Token Groomsman with John C. Hall and Sohale Andrus Mortazavi, working from a story by Hall. Pam Renall and Hall will produce through their Retinue Media production company, along with Simpkins. Production begins later this year. The Fithian Group’s Attend will oversee a 2,500-screen U.S. theatrical release, with Radiant Films International handling global sales.
A three-time host of the CMT Awards, Brown made his acting debut in an episode of CBS’s Fire Country in 2023. He first broke onto the music scene in 2016 with his self-titled, 2X Platinum debut album, where he became the first artist ever to lead all five of Billboard’s main country charts simultaneously and earned two of the most-streamed country songs of all time. With 12 No. 1 singles at Country radio, internationally sold-out tours and stadium dates, he’s already in his career been named to the Time100 list and secured multiple ACM, Billboard, AMA, CMT and People’s Choice Award nominations. His fourth studio album, The High Road, is out now.
Brown is represented by Neon Coast and WME.
