A surprising shake-up in A24’s upcoming psychological thriller Victorian Psycho — Margaret Qualley has exited the film, which was set to begin production in the coming weeks. The movie, directed by Zachary Wigon and co-starring Thomasin McKenzie, is based on the upcoming novel of the same name by Virginia Feito, who also penned the screenplay.
No official reason has been given for Qualley’s departure, but reports suggest a scheduling conflict may be to blame. The actress recently signed on to star in Ridley Scott’s The Dog Stars, which is set to begin filming next month. Given the close timing of both projects, it appears that she had to choose between them.
A Disrupted Reunion?
Qualley’s exit is particularly notable as Victorian Psycho was meant to reunite her with director Zachary Wigon after their acclaimed collaboration on 2022’s Sanctuary. That film showcased Qualley’s ability to thrive in psychologically intense roles, making her a natural fit for A24’s latest psychological thriller. Now, the project faces a critical challenge — finding a replacement lead on short notice.
With filming expected to start soon, A24 will likely have to move quickly to recast Qualley’s role. Given the studio’s track record with indie stars and rising talents, speculation will be high about who could step in. Meanwhile, Thomasin McKenzie remains attached to the project, and her role in the film is still intact.
This unexpected shift raises questions about whether Victorian Psycho might face production delays or if A24 will push forward with a new lead. One thing is certain: all eyes will be on the film’s next casting announcement.
