LOS ANGELES — Reigning XBIZ "Performer of the Year" Maitland Ward has landed the lead role in the forthcoming mainstream sci-fi thriller "Just for You" from Emmy-nominated writer/director Sonja O'Hara.
The feature is set to begin production later this year ahead of a planned Summer 2023 release date.
"Just for You" centers on "a cybersecurity specialist who is attacked in the virtual world of the metaverse, and a woman (Ward) who unleashes her dangerous alter-ego, Vivian, to exact revenge on those responsible," a rep said.
O'Hara is a 2021 Daytime Emmy Awards nominee for "Outstanding Short Form Daytime Fiction Program" for her digital drama series "Doomsday" and recently wrapped the indie horror feature "Mid-Century" starring Bruce Dern, Stephen Lang and Shane West.
She was cited as one of 2017's "10 Filmmakers to Watch" by The Independent magazine.
“Like so many, I grew up watching Maitland on ABC and felt like I really knew her; when I learned she was making her return to mainstream film, I was curious. To now get the pleasure to not only direct Maitland, but also share this collaboration with her by playing these complicated characters in this beautiful dark film, well, it’s such a cool opportunity," O’Hara said. “Audiences may feel they know her, but we haven’t seen or touched the surface of her capabilities as an artist and person."
Ward's plans for the remainder of 2022 include the expected Sept. 6 release of her memoir, "Rated X: How Porn Liberated Me from Hollywood," and the Nov. 7 debut of her streaming comedy series, "The Big Time."
“With my upcoming memoir, new comedy series and now working on this feature with such talented people, I am beyond excited for the year to come,” noted Ward. “I can’t wait for all these challenges ahead. I am very lucky and truly blessed."
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