From Outlaw to Director: What Is Theo Rossi Planning with Shell Game?

July 9, 2025: Theo Rossi, best known for his roles in Emily the Criminal, Sons of Anarchy, and Marvel’s Luke Cage, is stepping behind the camera for the first time as director of the upcoming action-heist film Shell Game.

Based on an original script by Rossi, Tommy DeNucci, and James Crewe, Shell Game follows a notorious crew of thieves who reunite after years apart. Old grudges, new enemies, and one high-risk heist will either change their lives forever — or destroy them completely.

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Rossi told Deadline, “Some of my favorite films ever made have been about how relationships navigate and are tested in the underworld of society. This film gives us the opportunity to explore that even more through these deeply flawed characters trying to find their way in a pressure-filled world.”

Production is set to begin this fall in Texas and New Mexico. Casting is being led by Deanna Brigidi and Andrea Bunker of 5th House Casting.

Producers include Chris Dent, Nicholas Carmona, James Crewe, Rossi, and DeNucci. Executive producers are Lee Thomas (Soho Film and Media), Tasos Diamantis, Andreas Vougioukas (Zeus Motion Pictures), along with Bradley Henske, Sean Doherty, Jon Bono, and Greg Rhoades.

Theo Rossi most recently starred in Netflix’s Carry-On opposite Jason Bateman and Taron Egerton, and appeared in HBO’s The Penguin as Dr. Julian Rush. His acclaimed performance in Emily the Criminal opposite Aubrey Plaza earned him a Spirit Award nomination. He also stars and executive produces the upcoming indie drama Come with Me, reuniting with Sons of Anarchy co-star Ron Perlman.