Late Fame


Late Fame is a 2025 American drama film directed by Kent Jones, written by Samy Burch and based on Arthur Schnitzler’s posthumously published novella of the same name. It stars Willem Dafoe, Greta Lee and Edmund Donovan.
The film had its world premiere in the Orizzonti section of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2025.

Premise

Late Fame explores the impact of newfound fame on Ed Saxberger, the author of a poetry collection that received little notice upon release but gained appreciation years later among a group of artists including Gloria, an actress eager to gain his attention.

Cast

In May 2024, Variety reported that Late Fame, starring Willem Dafoe and Sandra Hüller, was expected to begin shooting in New York City that fall with a screenplay penned by Samy Burch. The report noted that Pamela Koffler and Christine Vachon of Killer Films had signed on as producers and that the project would seek distributors at Cannes Film Festival.
In October 2024, Greta Lee had replaced Hüller, who dropped out due to scheduling conflicts. In January 2025, it was reported Edmund Donovan had joined the cast, with principal photography beginning the week of January 22, 2025, in New York and New Jersey.

Release

The film had its world premiere in the Orizzonti section of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2025. Its North American premiere took place on September 28, 2025 at the New York Film Festival">New York (state)">New York Film Festival. It also screened at the 63rd Viennale where it was awarded the Der Standard Reader Jury Viennale Award.
In December 2025, Magnolia Pictures acquired U.S. distribution rights to the film.