By Morfeli Data Desk (AI-assisted, data-checked) · Published: November 15, 2026 · Last updated: November 15, 2026 · 4 min read

Julianne Moore stars as a housewife turned method actor in this 1990s-set comedy-drama about a volatile community theater production.

The Debut arrives in theaters on December 10, 2026. This comedy-drama is among the notable wide releases debuting in December alongside films like Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three.

Release dates and details are as listed on TMDB on November 15, 2026 and can change before opening day. Spoiler-free.

Key Dates and Facts
  • Release date: Dec 10, 2026
  • Days from today: 25
  • Runtime: 1 h 45 min (105 minutes)
  • US rating: R
  • Genres: Music, Comedy, Drama
  • Directed by: Jesse Eisenberg

The Debut: Release Date and Key Facts

Poster for The Debut (2026)
Poster: TMDB
Release date2026-12-10
GenresMusic, Comedy, Drama
Runtime1 h 45 min (105 minutes)
Directed byJesse Eisenberg
Written byJesse Eisenberg
Top castJulianne Moore, Paul Giamatti, Halle Bailey, Colton Ryan
US ratingR
ProductionTopic Studios, Fruit Tree, Rego Park
More detailsIMDb page · TMDB page

The Debut Official Trailer

Official trailer via YouTube. Watch on YouTube

What We Know So Far

After landing a minor role in a local play, housewife Mona Friedman develops an intense commitment to her craft. She subsequently enters a confrontational battle with the production's director to defend her creative choices.

  • The film has a runtime of 105 minutes.
  • It is rated R.
  • The story takes place in New Jersey during the 1990s.

Confirmed Cast

  • Julianne Moore as Mona Friedman
  • Paul Giamatti as Jerry Blankenbuehler
  • Halle Bailey as Stef Mercer
  • Colton Ryan as Zachary Feldman
  • Eldar Isgandarov as Piotr
  • K. Todd Freeman as Martin Reed
  • Susan Blommaert as Sybil Hart
  • Jesse Eisenberg as Todd Brennan

Behind the Camera

Music byEmile Mosseri, Jesse Eisenberg
CinematographyDrew Daniels
EditingRobert Nassau
ProducersEmma Stone, Dave McCary, Ali Herting, Michael Bloom

The Cast and Crew’s Track Record

Julianne Moore’s projects since 2020 maintain an average TMDB score of 6.6/10. Paul Giamatti and Halle Bailey both hold a 6.9/10 average for their work since 2020.

Other recent work from the lead cast of The Debut (since 2020):

ActorRecent projectTypeRoleTMDB score
Julianne Moore
avg 6.6/10
Lisey's Story (2021)TVLisey Landon6.0/10
Sirens (2025)TVMichaela Kell6.6/10
Mary & George (2024)TVMary Villiers7.1/10
May December (2023)MovieGracie6.6/10
Paul Giamatti
avg 6.9/10
30 Coins (2020)TVChristian Barbrow7.3/10
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (2026)TVNus Braka5.4/10
The Holdovers (2023)MoviePaul Hunham7.7/10
Jungle Cruise (2021)MovieNilo Nemolato7.3/10
Halle Bailey
avg 6.9/10
The Little Mermaid (2023)MovieAriel6.3/10
You, Me & Tuscany (2026)MovieAnna7.3/10
The Color Purple (2023)MovieYoung Nettie7.0/10

Release Timeline (US)

ReleaseDate
PremiereSep 5, 2026
PremiereSep 18, 2026
PremiereOct 7, 2026
PremiereOct 9, 2026
PremiereOct 10, 2026
PremiereOct 11, 2026

The Competition: Other Releases Around Dec 10, 2026

These wide releases are listed within ten days of The Debut:

DateTitle
Dec 2, 2026The Man with the Bag
Dec 4, 2026Violent Night 2
Dec 4, 2026Ray Gunn
Dec 4, 2026Behemoth!
Dec 11, 2026Zero A.D.: The Birth of Christ
Dec 11, 2026Ink
Dec 18, 2026Avengers: Doomsday
Dec 18, 2026Dune: Part Three

Who Is It For?

  • Viewers interested in character-driven dramas centered on the complexities of method acting.
  • Fans of 1990s-set narratives exploring the dynamics of community theater.

Watch Before The Debut

Audience recommendations from TMDB that fit the same mood:

TitleTMDB scoreAbout
Fitting In (2024)6.5/10A teenage girl gets diagnosed with a reproductive condition that upends her plans to have sex and propels her into exploring unusual methods to have…

More guides: Man of Tomorrow (2027): Release Date, Cast, Trailer and What We Know · Narnia: The Magician's Nephew (2027) Release Date, Cast and Trailer · Gatto (2027): Release Date, Cast, Trailer and What We Know

Frequently Asked Questions

When is The Debut released?

TMDB lists the release as Dec 10, 2026, which is 25 days from November 15, 2026. Release dates can move, so check the studio for updates.

Who stars in The Debut?

Julianne Moore, Paul Giamatti, Halle Bailey, Colton Ryan, Eldar Isgandarov.

Who directs The Debut?

Jesse Eisenberg.

Is there a trailer for The Debut?

Yes. The official trailer is embedded on this page.

How long is The Debut?

TMDB lists a runtime of 1 h 45 min (105 minutes). Final runtime can change.

Data checked on November 15, 2026. Movie and TV data from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings via OMDb (IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, Metacritic) where shown. Scores change over time; check the source for the latest numbers.

Related: Shrek 5 release date.

Related: Second Chance Holiday release date.

Related: Dune: Part Three release date.


About this page. Published by Morfeli on November 15, 2026. Facts come from public data sources (TMDB, OMDb, Deezer, Ticketmaster and entertainment news feeds) and are compiled with AI assistance. Review roundups summarize public scores and audience reviews; they are not a critic’s review, and nobody here claims to have watched or rated a title for the page. Dates, scores and availability change over time. See our Editorial Policy.