Duke Nicholson Steps Into Leading Role with Gritty Thriller ‘The Deputy’

Duke Nicholson stars in his first leading film role. The movie is a crime thriller titled ‘The Deputy’. It began international sales at the 2025 American Film Market. The film is slated for a festival debut in 2026.

This marks a major step for the 26-year-old actor and aspiring director. He is best known until now as the grandson of Hollywood legend Jack Nicholson. The project unites him with director and former roommate Matt Sukkar.

Film Plots a Chaotic Night of Small-Town Corruption

‘The Deputy’ is based on a novel by Victor Gischler. Carlo Bernard, co-creator of ‘Narcos‘, wrote the screenplay. It follows part-time lawman Toby Sawyer, played by Nicholson.

Sawyer is tasked with guarding a corpse. The body then disappears. This sparks a frantic, overnight quest. The hunt reveals deeper corruption in his small town.

The film features a notable ensemble cast. It includes William H. Macy and Tiffany Haddish. Stephen Dorff and Julia Fox also star. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the tone mixes noir and dark comedy.

Forging a Path Beyond a Legendary Family Name

In a recent interview, Nicholson discussed carving his own career. He initially wanted to be a director. Acting roles in high school projects shifted his focus.

He shared his grandfather’s lasting advice. Jack Nicholson emphasized creating original material. This inspired Duke to write and develop his own projects.

Nicholson described his character’s journey. Sawyer is an unqualified deputy thrust into chaos. The actor compared the film’s vibe to Martin Scorsese’s ‘After Hours’.

He is currently writing a script he hopes to direct. His long-term goal is to act in the films he directs. He cites filmmaker John Cassavetes as a major hero.

This leading role in ‘The Deputy’ represents a pivotal moment for Duke Nicholson. It moves him from the periphery firmly into the spotlight. The film aims to deliver a character-driven thriller for modern audiences.

Thought you’d like to know

Q1: What is ‘The Deputy’ about?

It’s a crime thriller about a part-time deputy. His night goes awry when a body he’s guarding vanishes. This sends him on a chaotic search through a corrupt small town.

Q2: Who is in the cast with Duke Nicholson?

The cast includes well-known actors like William H. Macy and Tiffany Haddish. Stephen Dorff and Julia Fox also have major roles. Billie Lourd and Colleen Camp appear as well.

Q3: When will ‘The Deputy’ be released?

An exact public release date is not yet set. The film is planning a festival debut sometime in 2026. Sales to international distributors are currently underway.

Q4: How is Duke Nicholson related to Jack Nicholson?

Duke Nicholson is the grandson of the iconic actor Jack Nicholson. He has spoken about their close relationship and the creative advice he has received from him over the years.

Q5: What other work is Duke Nicholson known for?

He had a small role in Jordan Peele’s horror film ‘Us’. He also appeared on the cover of Lana Del Rey’s album ‘Norman Fucking Rockwell!’. He was in Julian Schnabel’s film ‘In the Hand of Dante’.

Q6: Who is directing ‘The Deputy’?

The film is directed by Matt Sukkar. He is a longtime friend and former roommate of Duke Nicholson. This is Sukkar’s feature film directorial debut.