Bashir Salahuddin and Michael Strassner Team Up with Nina Concepción for the Dark Comedy ‘Ruthie Joins A Death Cult’
Bashir Salahuddin and Michael Strassner Join Cast of Indie Dark Comedy ‘Ruthie Joins a Death Cult’
Bashir Salahuddin and Michael Strassner have been cast in pivotal roles alongside Nina Concepción in the upcoming indie dark comedy Ruthie Joins a Death Cult. This project, co-written and produced by Concepción, is nearing the end of its filming in Los Angeles.
The narrative centers around Ruthie Ramos, portrayed by Concepción, a vibrant yet solitary young woman in search of connection. Her life takes a turn when she encounters two charismatic women who introduce her to a group known as The Ascension, leading her to confront how far she’ll go for the sake of friendship.
In the film, Salahuddin takes on the role of the enigmatic leader of the titular cult, while Strassner plays a lovable cult member named Toddrick. The ensemble cast also features Barbara Crampton, Dana DeLorenzo, Kimia Behpoornia, Jiavani, Courtney Pauroso, and Oscar Montoya.
Directed and co-written by Kyle Kenyon, a veteran editor known for his work on FX’s Welcome to Wrexham, the film is produced by Lauren Bennett, Darryl Jones, Hillary Jones, and Tara Hotchkis, the latter of whom contributed to the 2026 Oscar-winning Live Action Short Film The Singers.
Salahuddin is well-known as the co-creator, writer, and star of HBO Max’s South Side and IFC/AMC+’s Emmy-winning series Sherman’s Showcase. His recent film credits include How to Die Alone, Another Simple Favor, Top Gun: Maverick, and The Dropout.
Strassner gained recognition as the co-writer and star of Jay Duplass’ Independent Spirit Award-nominated dramedy The Baltimorons, which received the Audience Award at SXSW 2025. He was also featured in The Musical, a dark comedy that premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
Concepción’s background includes roles in ABC’s Shifting Gears, Starz’s Shining Vale, CBS’s NCIS, and Fox’s 9-1-1: Lone Star. A seasoned performer at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theater in Los Angeles, she continues to make her mark on the industry.
