Alexander Ludwig Steps into Directing with Indie Drama ‘Billings,’ Starring Carla Gugino, Grace Beedie, Taylor Hickson, and James Jordan
EXCLUSIVE: Actor Alexander Ludwig, recognized for his roles in Vikings, The Hunger Games, and Heels, has made his directorial debut with the indie healthcare drama Billings. Ludwig stars in the film alongside Carla Gugino, Grace Beedie, Taylor Hickson, and James Jordan.
The film, developed and produced by Enderby Entertainment as part of its Enderby Impact slate, follows a young girl, played by Beedie, who is battling cystic fibrosis. Her life is upended when access to her necessary healthcare and medication is abruptly taken away. Faced with a ticking clock, her brother Easton (Ludwig) confronts the failings of the healthcare system and resorts to robbing pharmacies to secure vital medication for his sister, highlighting the harsh realities faced by countless American families.
Ludwig co-wrote the screenplay with Hunter Maats. The film is produced by Rick Dugdale of Enderby Entertainment, Sharlene Ludwig, and Stephanie Simon, with Preston Cook serving as co-producer.
Producer Rick Dugdale remarked, “This is exactly the kind of story the Enderby Impact slate was built for — deeply human, emotionally gripping, and rooted in a crisis that affects millions of families.” He further noted, “Alexander brings an extraordinary mix of heart, grit, and authenticity to this project, and we’re proud to partner with him as he takes this major step as a filmmaker.”
In addition to the film itself, the creative team behind Billings aims to foster real-world change through the launch of a companion resource website, BillingsForAmerica.com. This site is intended to help Americans understand and navigate the U.S. healthcare system, providing information on access to critical medications for families in similar situations.
Currently on a high note in his acting career, Ludwig is set to begin filming a new season of HBO’s The White Lotus alongside Helena Bonham Carter, Chris Messina, and Steve Coogan. He recently completed a lead role in What the F*ck Is My Password? and is filming the indie feature Hal with Emma Roberts. Additionally, he is expected to appear in Netflix’s upcoming Unabomber thriller, Unabom, featuring Russell Crowe, Shailene Woodley, and Jacob Tremblay.
Gugino recently starred alongside Idris Elba and John Cena in Heads of State, which has become one of Amazon MGM’s most-watched films. She has several projects lined up, including David Fincher’s The Adventures of Cliff Booth and a new Exorcist movie directed by Mike Flanagan.
Beedie, best known for her lead role in Netflix’s Zero Chill, has also appeared in titles such as The Hunting Party and Kung Fu. Hickson, recognized from Freeform’s Motherland: Fort Salem, is also known for her roles in Deadly Class and Deadpool.
James Jordan has frequently collaborated with Taylor Sheridan, featuring in series like Yellowstone and 1883. His recent work earned him an Ensemble Actor Award nomination for the show Landman, where he portrays petroleum engineer Dale Bradley.
Hunter Maats is represented by Osbrink Talent Agency.
