Percy Hynes White & Jeff Wahlberg Lead Lovers-On-The-Run Thriller “Crime Novella”, Roland Emmerich Exec-Producing & First Look Revealed

The cinematic landscape is set to welcome a gritty, transgressive addition to the romance-crime genre as production wraps on the feature film Crime Novella. Marking the feature-length directorial debut of filmmaker Omar de Soto, the project boasts an eclectic principal cast anchored by rising stars Percy Hynes White and Jeff Wahlberg. Shot entirely on classic 35mm film stock to evoke a tactile, textured aesthetic, the movie has generated significant industry buzz, amplified by the involvement of blockbuster visionary Roland Emmerich, who serves as executive producer.

Plot Dynamics and Artistic Vision

Described by its production team as a modern-day descendant of cinematic outlaw classics like Terrence Malick’s Badlands and David Lynch’s Wild at Heart, Crime Novella dives headfirst into the high-stakes world of desperate characters living on the fringe. The narrative follows two outlaw lovers, Cash and Valentine, portrayed by Hynes White and Wahlberg respectively, as they embark on a high-velocity journey on the run. The core conflict centers on their desperate bid to preserve their relationship while navigating an increasingly hostile environment, pushing the boundaries of how far they are willing to go to stay together.

Director Omar de Soto captured the essence of the production by highlighting the magnetic synergy between his two leads. According to the filmmaker, the characters of Cash and Valentine served as the emotional anchor of the script from its inception, and the lead actors successfully brought that vision to life with an undeniable onscreen presence.

The supporting ensemble brings international acclaim and critical weight to the gritty feature. The cast includes European Film Award winner Zlatko Burić, recognized for his tour-de-force performance in Ruben Östlund’s Palme d’Or-winning satirical black comedy Triangle of Sadness; Bobby Soto, known for his intense work in David Ayer’s The Tax Collector; and Ava del Cielo, whose extensive credits feature prominent streaming and television projects such as Netflix’s House of Cards.

Production Chronology and Financing

The journey of Crime Novella from concept to final cut involved a meticulously planned production schedule that stretched across multiple distinct geographic landscapes. Filming officially commenced earlier this year and wrapped up over the summer months. To capture the sun-bleached, desolate, and atmospheric backdrops required for a classic cross-country noir narrative, the production unit traveled extensively across North America. On-location shooting took place in Albuquerque, New Mexico—a historic hub for gritty western and crime dramas—as well as the urban sprawls of Los Angeles and Las Vegas, before concluding production phases in Mexico.

The film was brought to life through a collaborative producing effort. Omar de Soto took on the triple threat of writing, directing, and producing. He was joined by Paul Bennett IV of production banner Replica, alongside Marco Shepherd of Centropolis Entertainment. Centropolis Entertainment provided full financing for the feature, cementing its stake in the independent, auteur-driven thriller space.

Roland Emmerich, celebrated globally for directing large-scale Hollywood disaster epics and blockbusters, lent his considerable industry weight to the project as executive producer. Meanwhile, the administrative and logistical heavy lifting of the shoot was managed by co-producers Jessica Olthof and Helena Martel Seward.

Cast and Crew Backgrounds

The creative pedigree behind Crime Novella spans multiple tiers of contemporary television and cinema.

Percy Hynes White catapulted into global recognition following his breakout role as Xavier Thorpe in the blockbuster Netflix fantasy-comedy series Wednesday. He further diversified his cinematic resume with a celebrated turn in the Sundance coming-of-age comedy-drama My Old Ass. Hynes White is represented by talent agencies Innovative Artists and Oscars Abrams Zimel & Associates (OAZ), alongside legal representation from Sloane, Offer.

Co-lead Jeff Wahlberg brings a grounded, intense energy to the project, building on his recent high-profile appearance in the third season of HBO’s critically acclaimed, generation-defining hit drama Euphoria. Wahlberg’s representation includes Innovative Artists, Leverage Management, and legal counsel Sloane Offer.

Zlatko Burić adds immense artistic prestige to the call sheet. Burić claimed the prestigious Best Actor trophy at the 35th European Film Awards for his performance in Triangle of Sadness. His deep history with producer Roland Emmerich dates back to his memorable role in the global disaster epic 2012, produced by Centropolis Entertainment. Burić is managed by Art Management.

Bobby Soto, who previously held a formidable co-lead opposite Shia LaBeouf in the crime thriller The Tax Collector, brings his established grit to the production. Soto is represented by Innovative Artists, Anonymous Content, and law firm Goodman, Genow. Rounding out the primary cast, Ava del Cielo adds depth drawn from her notable television credits, including Netflix’s political powerhouse House of Cards, From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series, and MGM+’s Get Shorty. Del Cielo is repped by Mitchell & Associates Talent.

On the corporate and financing front, Roland Emmerich and his production vehicle Centropolis Entertainment are represented by Creative Artists Agency (CAA).

Industry Implications and Aesthetic Choices

The decision to shoot Crime Novella on 35mm film rather than digital formats underscores a deliberate artistic choice by de Soto and his cinematographic team. In an era dominated by high-definition digital sensors, the physical medium introduces a distinct grain, warmth, and organic texture that aligns with the analog, nostalgic feel of 1970s and 1980s road-trip thrillers. This aesthetic choice reinforces the movie’s thematic preoccupation with rebellion, isolation, and timeless romantic doom.

For Centropolis Entertainment, stepping into the financing and production of an independent romance-crime thriller signals a strategic diversification. While the company remains historically linked to high-budget studio spectacles, supporting auteur-driven, mid-budget genre pieces allows the banner to flex its creative muscles in the indie festival and specialty distribution markets.

As post-production reaches its final stages and the first promotional imagery circulates, industry analysts will be watching closely to see where Crime Novella lands its festival premiere. With a potent mix of established young talent, seasoned character actors, and behind-the-scenes guidance from some of Hollywood’s most experienced producers, de Soto’s directorial debut is poised to be a notable entry in the upcoming festival circuit.