Sheridan Smith has landed her first movie role in four years which you'll want to know all about. The British icon last appeared on the big screen in 2022's The Railway Children Return, which filmed in spring and summer 2021.
Now, four years on she has begun production on Girl Group, which she will appear in alongside Pitch Perfect's Rebel Wilson, Marvel's Randall Park, Derry Girls' Jamie-Lee O’Donnell and Man Like Mobeen's Guz Khan.
The movie focuses on Wilson's pop diva character as she is kicked out of the reunion tour for her girl group, who are played by music stars Ashley Roberts of The Pussycat Dolls, Mel C from the Spice Girls and Shaznay Lewis of All Saints.
She is also "slapped with a sentence of court-ordered community service" and "seizes the chance to stage a comeback by coaching a group of misfit teen girls for a major record label audition".
However, she pushes the new group too far, which forces her "to confront the toxic industry that made her – and the self-destruction she can’t escape".
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Wilson will also be directing, writing and producing Girl Group, and said she had been inspired to create it after working on Pitch Perfect.
"Ever since being a part of the Pitch Perfect franchise, I’ve always wanted to create something similar," she said. "Girl Group is just so fun and full of spirit that’s ready to have you singing and dancing out of the cinema."
She added: "The cast is jam packed with triple threats – or maybe I should say quadruple threats because they’re funny as well. And I am loving partnering with Live Nation Studios and FAE. This is the ultimate girl power movie!"
"This film is a true celebration of girl power for a new generation, and it’s been an absolute joy to collaborate with the amazing Rebel Wilson – her vision and passion are truly inspiring," producer Matt Williams said.
Other Sheridan Smith movies to watch
As we wait for Girl Group, we've listed four other Smith movies you can check out right now.
The Railway Children Return
Smith appeared in the role of Annie in this sequel to the classic 1970 movie The Railway Children, the daughter of Jenny Agutter's Bobbie from the original film. The follow-up follows a new generation of children as they are evacuated to Yorkshire during World War II, where they find an injured American soldier and help him.
Critic Mark Kermode said that fans of the first film will find it "impossible not to be touched by this" in his review, while RogerEbert.com called it "touching and beautifully produced".
Available to buy and rent via Amazon and Apple TV+.
The Huntsman: Winter's War
Released in 2016, The Huntsman: Winter's War acts as a sequel and prequel to Snow White & the Huntsman, and follows Freya (Emily Blunt) as she raises an army of huntsmen, and teaches them not to fall in love – though two defy that rule.
Smith stars as dwarf Bromwyn in the movie, which didn't exactly get the best reception when it was released – sitting at a 20% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Available to stream via NOW.
Quartet
Smith played a supporting role in this acclaimed 2012 drama, starring alongside the likes of Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Michael Gambon and Billy Connolly.
Quartet is based on a play by Ronald Harwood, and follows residents at a retirement home for performers as a former opera singer causes a stir with her arrival, before being invited to join a performance of opera Rigoletto.
Available to stream via Prime Video and NOW.
Tower Block
Also released in 2012, Smith plays the role of office worker Becky in Tower Block, which sees a group of residents targeted by a sniper after they witness a murder.
The star appears alongside Jack O'Connell, Ralph Brown and Russell Tovey in the film, which was described as a "rather gripping thriller with top notch performances" by Cinema Crazed.
Available to buy and rent via Amazon and Apple TV+.
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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
