Raye Cast in First Major Acting Role in London Crime Drama 'Lineage'
Raye is officially stepping into the world of acting, taking on her first scripted film role in the upcoming crime drama Lineage. The London-based feature is directed by Yann Demange and reported by Variety.
Raye joins star-studded cast of Lineage, her first scripted film role in a London-set crime drama.
The British artist, whose real name is Rachel Keen, is best known for her breakout success in music, but Lineage signals a new direction in her creative journey. This will be her first dramatic role, following a brief appearance as herself in Netflix’s Black Rabbit.
Billboard
Lineage brings together a notable cast, including French screen legend Isabelle Huppert, as well as actors Dali Benssalah and Adam Bessa. Details about Raye’s character remain undisclosed.
The story is set in modern-day London and follows Tariq, a young father recently released from prison who is trying to rebuild his life with his son, Amine. His progress is interrupted when he is drawn back into criminal activity after receiving a distress call from his brother. Complicating matters further, Tariq’s mother is revealed to be a powerful figure in London’s crime world.
Production for Lineage is set to begin in London in early August. The film is directed by Yann Demange, whose previous work includes ’71 (2014), White Boy Rick (2018), and episodes of HBO’s Lovecraft Country.
Raye’s transition into acting comes during a period of major recognition in her music career. Following her independently released album My 21st Century Blues in 2023, she earned Grammy nominations for Best New Artist and Songwriter of the Year.
Speaking about her early on-screen experience in Black Rabbit, Raye told Billboard: “Reading my very first ever ‘on screen’ lines whilst staring into Jason Bateman’s eyes is a life experience I will never forget,”
She also reflected on her creative freedom in music during an interview with Rolling Stone, saying: “I don’t have to answer to anyone or meet anyone’s requirements or do any somersaults for anyone anymore. I’m in control of my career and I’m really in the thick of that. It’s quite liberating.”
