Netflix is diving deep into the world of high-stakes crime with Here Comes the Flood, an ambitious heist thriller bringing together three powerhouse performers — Denzel Washington, Robert Pattinson, and Daisy Edgar-Jones.
The film, now in active production, is directed by Fernando Meirelles (City of God, The Two Popes) and written by Simon Kinberg, the acclaimed writer-producer behind X-Men: Days of Future Past and The Martian.
After several years of development and creative shifts, the project has officially rolled cameras in New Jersey, marking one of Netflix’s most anticipated cinematic events for 2026.
Key Production Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Here Comes the Flood |
| Genre | Heist Thriller |
| Director | Fernando Meirelles (City of God, The Constant Gardener) |
| Writer | Simon Kinberg (The Martian, X-Men: First Class) |
| Producers | Simon Kinberg, Audrey Chon, Fernando Meirelles |
| Executive Producer | Samson Mucke |
| Production Companies | Netflix, Genre Films |
| Filming Locations | New Jersey, New York, and rumored Morocco |
| Filming Dates | September 22, 2025 – January 22, 2026 |
| Estimated Netflix Release | Late 2026 – Early 2027 |
The Journey So Far: From Jason Bateman to Denzel Washington
The road to Here Comes the Flood has been long and winding. Initially announced in 2021, the project was to be directed by Jason Bateman, who also planned to star. At one stage, Robert Downey Jr. was in early talks for the lead role.
However, following creative changes, Bateman and Downey Jr. exited the project. The script — still penned by Simon Kinberg — remained intact and caught the attention of Fernando Meirelles, whose mastery of atmospheric storytelling and global intrigue made him a natural fit for the project’s sweeping tone.
By 2025, Netflix reassembled the film with a brand-new star-studded cast, turning it into one of the streamer’s most ambitious thrillers to date.
What Is the Plot of ‘Here Comes the Flood’?
Netflix has released only a brief synopsis, keeping the details of the plot tightly under wraps.
“A romantic heist thriller set against the backdrop of an elaborate, high-stakes plan that unfolds in real-time.”
While plot specifics remain vague, industry insiders suggest the movie blends the scale and sophistication of Ocean’s Eleven with the emotional tension of Inside Man — emphasizing not just the heist, but the people and emotions driving it.
It’s rumored to feature a team of thieves attempting a grand-scale robbery, with interwoven motives of love, betrayal, and redemption. The combination of Meirelles’ storytelling style and Kinberg’s sharp writing hints that the film will balance adrenaline with character depth.
The Cast of ‘Here Comes the Flood’
Netflix has assembled a phenomenal lineup of talent for the project — merging Hollywood veterans with rising stars.
Main Cast:
- Denzel Washington
Returning to the screen with his signature intensity, Washington headlines the film in what’s expected to be his first major Netflix Original role. Known for Training Day, The Equalizer, and Fences, Washington brings gravitas and command to any character he plays. - Robert Pattinson
After The Batman and Tenet, Pattinson continues to push boundaries with complex, morally ambiguous roles. His inclusion signals the film’s potential blend of intellect, style, and unpredictability. - Daisy Edgar-Jones
The Normal People and Where the Crawdads Sing actress adds emotional depth to the ensemble, likely serving as the story’s moral and emotional anchor.
Supporting Cast (Confirmed November 2025):
- Danai Gurira (Black Panther, The Walking Dead)
- Sean Harris (The Stranger, Mission: Impossible – Fallout)
- Moisés Arias (The King of Staten Island)
- Justin Kirk (Succession)
Character Insights
While character details haven’t been disclosed, early reports indicate:
- Washington may play a strategic mastermind, orchestrating the heist.
- Pattinson is rumored to portray a skilled but unpredictable thief.
- Edgar-Jones could be a romantic interest with hidden loyalties.
Together, this trio forms the emotional core of a story that mixes romance, tension, and betrayal.
Production Updates: Cameras Rolling in New Jersey
After years of anticipation, Here Comes the Flood officially began principal photography on September 22, 2025.
Filming is taking place primarily in Bloomfield and Newark, New Jersey, with portions expected to move to New York City for urban chase sequences. Reports also hint at on-location shoots in Morocco, suggesting the story will span multiple countries.
In early November 2025, set photos captured by Getty Images photographer Bobby Bank confirmed that both Denzel Washington and Robert Pattinson were on set together — dressed sharply and surrounded by vintage cars and night-time lighting rigs, hinting at a stylized noir aesthetic.
The shoot is set to continue through January 22, 2026, followed by post-production and visual effects work through mid-2026.
Major Cast & Roles
| Actor | Known For | Probable Role Type |
|---|---|---|
| Denzel Washington | Training Day, Equalizer | Mastermind/Leader |
| Robert Pattinson | The Batman, Tenet | Thief/Right-hand man |
| Daisy Edgar-Jones | Normal People, Crawdads Sing | Love interest / Insider |
| Danai Gurira | Black Panther, TWD | Tactical expert |
| Sean Harris | The Stranger | Antagonist or double agent |
| Moisés Arias | Ender’s Game | Hacker/Younger Crew Member |
| Justin Kirk | Succession | Government investigator or rival thief |
Behind the Camera: A Dream Team of Talent
Director: Fernando Meirelles
Known for his visually rich storytelling, Meirelles has been nominated for an Academy Award (City of God) and a Golden Globe (The Two Popes). His style often merges moral complexity with sweeping visuals — a perfect match for a heist film that promises more than just gunfire and glamour.
“Fernando brings a human heart to every story he tells,” said producer Audrey Chon. “Even in a crime thriller, he finds humanity in chaos — and Here Comes the Flood is exactly that.”
Writer: Simon Kinberg
Kinberg’s script has been described by insiders as “tight, character-driven, and romantic — with the spirit of classic caper films.” His long-standing partnership with Hollywood A-listers ensures a polished, high-energy screenplay with mass appeal.
When Will ‘Here Comes the Flood’ Release on Netflix?
No official release date has been confirmed. However, considering the production schedule:
- Filming wraps: January 2026
- Post-production: February – August 2026
- Possible release window: Q4 2026 (November/December)
If post-production takes longer due to visual effects or festival positioning, Netflix may target an early 2027 global release to align with awards season.
Why Fans Are Excited?
Fans and critics alike have noted that Here Comes the Flood could be Netflix’s most cinematic original in years, blending prestige direction with blockbuster names.
The combination of:
- Washington’s powerhouse gravitas,
- Pattinson’s unpredictable charm, and
- Edgar-Jones’ emotional authenticity
suggests a heist film as much about the people as the plot — an evolution from the genre’s fast-paced roots toward something deeper and more emotionally resonant.
Final Thoughts
Here Comes the Flood promises to be a stylish, character-driven heist thriller that unites three generations of talent under one roof.
With Fernando Meirelles’ direction, Kinberg’s screenplay, and Netflix’s global reach, the project has all the makings of a major streaming event. Expect lush visuals, psychological tension, and a heist that’s about more than just money — it’s about redemption, love, and survival.
FAQs
The movie is directed by Fernando Meirelles, best known for City of God and The Two Popes.
The main cast includes Denzel Washington, Robert Pattinson, and Daisy Edgar-Jones, with supporting roles by Danai Gurira, Sean Harris, Moisés Arias, and Justin Kirk.
Primary filming is taking place in New Jersey and New York, with possible sequences in Morocco.
Netflix has not confirmed an official date, but the film is likely to release in late 2026 or early 2027.
It’s a heist thriller — blending romance, suspense, and action in a single cinematic package.
