This is a win for both Morgan Spector and Lucy Liu — proof they're not resting on their TV laurels but actively seeking out interesting, artistic projects that showcase range. Venice's Biennale College section is where the industry discovers its next breakout talent.
Insiders are whispering that this animated project was a passion play for both leads, who signed on for significantly reduced rates because they loved Zvereff's vision. That's unusual star behavior — and suggests someone was chasing creative fulfillment over paychecks.
The film will screen in the Biennale College section at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival (2026). New Europe Film Sales acquired worldwide rights to 'Moonfish' by director Daniel Zvereff, starring Morgan Spector ('The Gilded Age,' 'Homeland') and Lucy Liu ('Kill Bill,' 'Charlie's Angels').
Venice selection plus a stacked cast? Someone clearly has receipts — or at least serious taste. We'll find out what 'Moonfish' is actually about when it hits the Lido this fall.
The Venice International Film Festival just got a little more interesting. Daniel Zvereff's animated feature "Moonfish" has been selected for the prestigious Biennale College section at the 83rd edition of the festival, and the casting is surprisingly high-profile for what amounts to an emerging filmmaker program. Morgan Spector, who audiences know from HBO's "The Gilded Age" and Showtime's "Homeland," leads the voice cast alongside Lucy Liu — yes, THE Lucy Liu, of "Kill Bill" and "Charlie's Angels" fame.
That's not a typical pairing for a festival showcase aimed at up-and-coming directors. Biennale College is designed to support first or second-time filmmakers with micro-budget productions, but someone convinced two recognizable names to come aboard anyway. New Europe Film Sales has already swooped in to acquire worldwide rights to the project ahead of its Venice premiere.
The sales agent, known for handling international arthouse titles and specialty pickups, clearly sees commercial potential beyond the festival circuit — even if "Moonfish" is an animated feature from a relatively unknown director. So what's the draw? For Spector, it's another example of his steady climb toward prestige projects since breaking out in period dramas.
For Liu, it marks a rare venture into animation at this stage of her career — she's been selective about voice work over the years, so landing her for an indie animated feature suggests Zvereff's script carried some serious weight. The Biennale College selection puts "Moonfish" in front of industry heavyweights who attend Venice seeking hidden gems. Whether this animated offering has the goods to break through remains to be seen — but with that cast attached and a major sales company already onboard, someone's clearly betting it does.
