Jodie Comer Musical 'Stuffed' to Open TIFF's 2026 Discovery Program
The 'gloriously twisted musical' starring Comer and Harry Melling leads a lineup of 24 features spotlighting rising filmmakers at the September festival.
“in the year’s most original, hilarious, and unexpectedly heartfelt romance, where love, death, and taxidermy collide.”
- Director
- Theo Rhys
- Starring
- Jodie Comer, Harry Melling
- Release
- 2026
- Genre
- Musical, Comedy
- Where to Watch
- World Premiere at TIFF 2026
Jodie Comer and Harry Melling's musical film "Stuffed" will open the 2026 Discovery program at the Toronto International Film Festival, according to IndieWire. The festival's section dedicated to emerging filmmakers will showcase the world premiere of the feature debut from writer-director Theo Rhys.
Described by the festival as a "gloriously twisted musical," the film stars Comer as a taxidermist who longs to stuff a human specimen. Her chance arrives when she meets a lonely man and volunteer, played by Melling, leading to an unexpected romance "where love, death, and taxidermy collide." Rhys co-wrote the script with Joss Holden-Rea.
What is the TIFF Discovery program?
The Discovery program is TIFF's curated platform for highlighting up-and-coming filmmakers from around the world. This year's selection includes 24 features intended to spotlight the best emerging voices at the festival. Past editions have helped introduce filmmakers such as Alfonso Cuarón, Christopher Nolan, and Lav Diaz.
What other films are in the Discovery lineup?
The 2026 lineup includes several other world premieres from first-time directors. Highlights include "Ancestors," an Irish feature from David Turpin set in 1980s London during the AIDS crisis, starring Eanna Hardwicke and Rupert Everett. "Drifter" marks the directorial debut of "Fast & Furious" star Sung Kang and explores race car culture.
Other notable titles are Ghasideh Golmakani's Iranian satire "Head to Head," Ulrike Tony Vahl's post-World War II Germany-set "Krux," and Alexandra Pechman's "Magazine," about a young intern navigating toxic power dynamics at a New York literary publication. The program also features Deantè Gray's Motown-infused 1960s period musical "Voices" and Tom Nicoll's commentary on online self-improvement culture, "Salvation."
The festival has also scheduled international premieres for films like Stephanie Ahn's "Bedford Park," which previously bowed at Sundance, and Phuong Mai Nguyen's animated feature "In Waves," fresh from Cannes.
The Toronto International Film Festival will run from September 10 to 20, 2026. Additional film lineup announcements are expected in the coming weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is directing 'Stuffed'?
"Stuffed" marks the feature directorial debut of British filmmaker Theo Rhys, who also co-wrote the script with Joss Holden-Rea.
What is the plot of 'Stuffed'?
The film follows a taxidermist, played by Jodie Comer, who gets a chance to fulfill her dream of stuffing a human specimen when she meets a lonely volunteer, played by Harry Melling. Their pact evolves into an unexpected romance.
How many films are in the 2026 TIFF Discovery program?
The 2026 Discovery program will feature 24 films from around the world, all selected to highlight emerging filmmaking talent.
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