Chili Finger
2026 American black comedy film
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Chili Finger is a 2026 American crime black comedy film directed by Edd Benda and Stephen Helstad, and written by Helstad. It stars Judy Greer, Sean Astin, Bryan Cranston, and John Goodman.
- Edd Benda
- Stephen Helstad
- Sam Sandweiss
- Jo Henriquez
| Chili Finger | |
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| Directed by |
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| Written by | Stephen Helstad |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Cristina Dunlap |
| Edited by | Todd Zelin |
| Music by | Dan Deacon |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Sumerian Pictures |
Release date |
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Running time | 101 minutes[1] |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
It had its world premiere at the 2026 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival on March 14, 2026.
Premise
A recently empty-nested mother Jessica Lipki discovers a severed human finger in her bowl of chili and blackmails the regionally-beloved "Blake Junior's" fast-food chain for $100,000. Blake Junior, the plutocratic founder behind the restaurant, recruits his ex-marine buddy, Dave, to investigate Jess and discover the truth behind the chili finger.
Cast
- Judy Greer as Jessica Lipki
- Sean Astin as Ron Lipki
- Bryan Cranston as Dave, war veteran and fixer for Blake Jr
- John Goodman as Blake Jr, CEO of a fast-food restaurant
- Madeline Wise as Blake Jr. II, Blake Jr's daughter and business executive of his fast-food restaurant
- Paul Stanko as Trevor, factory worker
- Sarah Herrman as Nia, Trevor's pregnant wife
- Sara Sevigny as Jackie
- Dann Florek as Carl
- Shaya Harris as Kris Lipki, Jessica and Ron's daughter who is heading to college
Production
In November 2024, it was announced that a crime comedy film directed by Edd Benda and Stephen Helstad was in pre-production, with Judy Greer, Sean Astin, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, Sarah Herrman, and Paul Stanko joining the cast.[2] Principal photography began in May 2025, in central Illinois.[3]
Release
It had its world premiere at the 2026 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival on March 14, 2026.[4] In September 2026, Sumerian Pictures acquired U.S. and Canadian distribution rights.[5]