Hugh Jackman and Laura Dern are set to star in writer-director Florian Zeller’s upcoming film The Son, which is a follow-up to his Oscar-nominated film The Father, starring Anthony Hopkins and Olivia Colman. Jackman will also executive produce along with Simon Gillis for See-Saw Films, Daniel Battsek and Lauren Dark for Film4, Philippe Carcassonne for Ciné-@, as well as Tim Haslam and Hugo Grumbar for Embankment. Film4 is co-financing production.

According to Deadline, the film’s story is adapted by Zeller and Christopher Hampton (Dangerous Liaisons), from Zeller’s acclaimed stage play. The Son focuses on Peter (Jackman) and his new and busy life with his partner Emma and their baby. Their life is thrown into shambles when his ex-wife Kate (Dern) shows up with their teenage son, Nicholas. Nicholas appears troubled and angry. Peter wants to be a better father for Nicholas, and tries to involve him in his family with Emma, but eventually Nicholas’ condition gets worse and sets the family on a dangerous course.

Zeller stated about the film: “The Son is a deeply human story which, I believe, connects us all; I hope audiences will be profoundly moved by this family’s journey. Both Hugh and Laura naturally convey great warmth, compassion, and vulnerability… inviting our audience to embrace and feel every moment. The story is set in a vibrant and very much alive New York, an important character. The movie should make us call family and friends to tell them that they are wholly loved and not alone.”

Cross City Films and Embankment are launching international sales, with Cross City Films and CAA Media Finance co-representing U.S. rights.