Marcia Gay Harden Joins Robert Rippberger’s Sci-Fi Thriller Renner 5

Oscar-winner Marcia Gay Harden has boarded Renner, the new sci-fi thriller from writer, director and producer Robert Rippberger.

The Pollock and Mystic River star joins an ensemble cast led by Frankie Muniz, Violett Beane and Taylor Gray. Harden will voice the role of Salenus, an artificially intelligent companion designed by computer genius Renner (Muniz).

The story centers on Renner, who after trying to court his new neighbor Jamie (Beane) with the help of Salenus, he realizes too late he accidentally programmed his manipulative mother into it. Rippberg will helm Renner based on a script he co-wrote with Martin Medina and Luke Medina, while sharing the producer credits with Medina, KT Kent, Devin Keaton and Jay Burnley of Slated. 

“I’m incredibly honored to have an acclaimed performer like Marcia be voice to the very piece of technology that is reshaping Hollywood,” Rippberger said in a statement. “We have always had oracles in society. AI is yet another diversion to people thinking for themselves, and preserving the human element that makes art distinct and indelible. Marcia is a true artist and has brought great depth to the themes of this film,” he added.

Harden received her second Academy Award nomination for her work on The Morning Show on Apple TV+ after picking up an earlier Oscar nod for her role in Mystic River. She also starred opposite Skylar Astin in the CBS dramedy So Help Me Todd and in the Michael Keaton-directed thriller Knox Goes Away.

Harden earned her best supporting actress Oscar for her role as Lee Krasner in Pollock, which was directed by and co-starred Ed Harris, in 2001.

Harden is repped by CAA, Framework Entertainment, Schreck Rose Dapello Adams Berlin & Dunham, and The Initiative Group.