Oscar-Winning Actor Javier Bardem to Star in New Israeli-American Film Amid Controversy

Israeli-American director Alma Har'el is working on a new film titled "Wet," described by foreign media as a family drama in the vein of the series "Succession" and Ruben Östlund's black comedy "Triangle of Sadness." Har'el also wrote the screenplay. The film will feature Spanish actor Javier Bardem, an Oscar winner known for his outspoken pro-Palestinian activism and sharp criticism of Israel. Bardem, 57, has publicly labeled Israeli soldiers as "Nazis" and last year joined over 1,200 film and television industry professionals in signing a petition to boycott Israeli film institutions accused of involvement in war crimes, genocide, and apartheid against Palestinians.

Bardem has received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and a Golden Globe for his role in "No Country for Old Men," along with three additional Oscar nominations for Best Actor for his performances in "Before Night Falls," "Biutiful," and "The Mauritanian." Alma Har'el's previous work includes the film "Shadow Kingdom," centered on Bob Dylan, and the 2024 Apple TV+ miniseries "The Woman in the Lake," starring Natalie Portman, which she created and directed.

The collaboration between Bardem and Har'el is notable given Bardem's controversial political statements and activism, which have sparked debate within the Israeli and international film communities. The film "Wet" is currently in production, with no announced release date yet.