AceShowbiz - The upcoming vampire thriller Flesh of the Gods has undergone a significant casting change, with Wagner Moura stepping in to replace Oscar Isaac after the latter exited the project due to scheduling conflicts. The film, which stars Kristen Stewart, is set to be directed by Panos Cosmatos, known for his distinct style in films like Beyond the Black Rainbow and Mandy. The screenplay is penned by Andrew Kevin Walker, famed for his work on Se7en.

Originally, Stewart and Isaac were announced as the leads back in May 2024, portraying a married couple named Alex and Raoul. Their characters navigate a surreal and dangerous nocturnal world set in 1980s Los Angeles, encountering mysterious entities and becoming entangled in a dark, violent underworld marked by hedonism. However, due to unforeseen scheduling issues, Isaac had to leave the film, leading to Moura being cast as Raoul alongside Stewart.

A24, the film’s distributor, is riding high off its successful 2025 slate, which included the hit Marty Supreme. That film grossed $179 million at the box office and earned numerous Oscar nominations across major categories such as Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and several technical awards. Its star, Timothée Chalamet, secured Best Actor wins at the Critics’ Choice Awards and Golden Globes. This track record sets high expectations for Flesh of the Gods.

In addition to starring, Kristen Stewart also serves as a producer on Flesh of the Gods. She shares producing duties with Adam McKay, Betsy Koch, Jons Katzenstein, Maximilian Leo, and Maggie McLean. Stewart has expanded her role in the industry beyond acting, having directed several short films and her own feature-length film, The Chronology of Water, which premiered in 2025. She also co-created the Hulu reality series Living for the Dead.

Wagner Moura, Stewart’s new co-star, is no stranger to critical acclaim. He received Oscar and Critics’ Choice nominations along with a Golden Globe win for his role as Marcelo in The Secret Agent, a film that garnered multiple Academy Award nods. He also earned a Golden Globe nomination for portraying Pablo Escobar in the first two seasons of the widely praised series Narcos. His filmography includes titles like Elysium, The Gray Man, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Civil War, Narcos: Mexico, Shining Girls, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Dope Thief.

Before filming begins on Flesh of the Gods later in 2026, Moura will be featured in the upcoming animated series Star Wars: Maul - Shadow Lord, which is scheduled to premiere on Disney+ on April 6. Meanwhile, no official release date has been announced yet for Flesh of the Gods.

This casting update has generated considerable interest as fans anticipate the combination of Cosmatos’s visionary direction, Walker’s writing, and the compelling performances of Stewart and Moura. Flesh of the Gods promises to be a provocative exploration of a dark fantasy world set against a nostalgic 1980s backdrop, blending horror, thriller, and supernatural elements.