The 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) played host to the premiere of "Wasteman," the impactful feature debut from filmmaker Cal McMau. This extremely tense dramatic thriller immerses audiences in the brutal and unforgiving underworld of the British prison system, bringing to the forefront the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals. The film features compelling performances from two of Hollywood's most exciting rising stars, David Jonsson (known for "Alien: Romulus") and Tom Blyth ("The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes"), who portray two young men navigating the complexities of a harsh institutional environment.

In "Wasteman," David Jonsson takes on the role of Taylor, an inmate who endeavors to maintain a low profile by keeping to himself. He passes his days discreetly, sustained by distant memories of a son he has not seen in decades and relying on occasional pills to alleviate the tediousness of his routine. After serving years for a petty crime, Taylor is presented with an opportunity for early parole, provided he can steer clear of any further trouble. This fragile hope for freedom is immediately threatened by his new cellmate, Dee, portrayed by Tom Blyth. Dee is depicted as power-hungry and volatile, and in his relentless pursuit to dominate the prison's hierarchy, he insists that Taylor join him, thereby placing Taylor’s parole in significant jeopardy.

At TIFF 2025, Jonsson and Blyth engaged in a conversation with Collider’s Perri Nemiroff at the Cinema Center. During the interview, they extensively discussed the profound importance of telling the story presented in "Wasteman" and elaborated on why both actors eagerly embraced the opportunity to work on the project. A key highlight of their discussion was the revelation of their long-standing friendship, characterized by what they termed an "envious bromance." Both actors expressed immense satisfaction in finally working together, noting how their camaraderie significantly bolstered their on-screen chemistry and individual talents. Jonsson articulated this synergy, stating, "Tom's a really wonderful friend of mine, but also someone who I really respect. You're always trying to find ways to learn... and to evolve your craft, and to do that, you kind of need someone to sharpen you, and we really got that." They also praised Cal McMau’s directorial approach, with Blyth calling the experience his "favorite film experience to date," attributing much of their creative exercise to the film's tight shooting schedule.

Beyond their collaboration in "Wasteman," both actors provided insights into their other high-profile projects. Tom Blyth, who previously took on the monumental task of portraying the young President Coriolanus Snow in "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes," discussed the unique experience of sharing a character's legacy with esteemed actors like Donald Sutherland and the upcoming portrayal by Ralph Fiennes. Blyth also mentioned his next role in the thriller drama "Plainclothes." David Jonsson, who recently joined the iconic "Alien" franchise as Andy, a notably lovable yet occasionally unnerving android in last year’s "Alien: Romulus," shared an exciting tease for its confirmed sequel. Jonsson hinted at a deeper exploration of his character, stating, "The wonderful thing about our film and Romulus, the parallel that I'm actually drawing, is that it does feel like with both characters I kind of showed 15% of what they are. That's a really wonderful feeling when you're like, 'There's more in there,' and Andy's one of those characters." He expressed significant excitement for what lies ahead for Andy, though he remained coy on specifics. Jonsson also touched upon his production company, greyarea.

As of now, "Wasteman" has not announced a U.S. release date. The extensive interview at TIFF 2025 was made possible through the support of various partners, including Roxstar Entertainment and its Campari Cinema Center, Campari, the host venue Discreta Toronto, the Oscar-winning visual effects company Rodeo FX, Lavazza Coffee, Vellamo mineral water, Santa Carolina’s Reserva Chilean Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon wines, La Vieille Ferme Rosé and La Vieille Ferme Reserve Brut Sparkling, Peroni beer, and food catering by Miss Ivy Toronto.