Sophie Simnett Joins Silent Comedy 'The Candidate' Opposite Jack Whittle

Sophie Simnett has been cast to star in the upcoming silent comedy film The Candidate, according to a report by Variety. The rising British actress will appear opposite writer-actor Jack Whittle in the project.

The Candidate is described as a black-and-white silent comedy with a dance interlude, made in the style of the Chaplin era of filmmaking. It marks the feature directorial debut of Mark Bell, known for his Olivier Award-winning work on the stage farce The Play That Goes Wrong.

What is the film about?

The film is a cautionary tale about a naïve dreamer who accidentally finds himself in a position of power. Beneath its comedic surface, it asks what we truly value in our leaders. Simnett will play a character named Love, described by the filmmakers as a tribute to the great leading ladies of silent cinema.

“Her compassion provides the emotional heart of the film and acts as the conscience at the centre of its satire,” the producers said.

When will filming begin?

Production on The Candidate is scheduled for Autumn 2026. The film will be produced by Over The Fence Films, which has credits including the Berlinale silver bear winner Everybody Dig Evans and the Sundance special jury prize winner Everybody to Kenmure Street.

Who else is working on the film?

Composer Howard Goodall, known for his work on Blackadder and Mr. Bean, will provide an original score for the silent film. The producers praised Simnett and Whittle for possessing the expressive range and comic timing the silent format demands.

Simnett's other upcoming roles include the features Falling with KJ Apa and Isabel May, Everybody Wants to F— Me with Taron Egerton and Mia McKenna-Bruce, and Topic Studios' Scorn.