TIFF: First Look at True Crime Drama ‘Evil Genius’, Directed by Courteney Cox.

The Toronto International Film Festival is kicking off its week of announcements with its Gala and Special Presentations programs, welcoming acclaimed filmmakers, celebrated talent, and some of the most anticipated films of the year to Toronto.

While we wait for the Midnight genre announcements, one interesting film of note was just announced: Evil Genius, directed by Scream‘s Courteney Cox, which will hold its world premiere at the festival.

Evil Genius stars Patricia Arquette (Severance, Escape at Dannemora) and David Harbour (Stranger Things, Thunderbolts), and explores the true crime story of the infamous “pizza bomber” case—that delves into the more deeply human story of deception, desperation, and the line between victim and villain.

Also starring are Michael Chernus (Severance, Orange Is the New Black), Garrett Dillahunt (Fear the Walking Dead, No Country for Old Men), Danielle Macdonald (Patti Cake$, Dumplin’), Tom McCarthy (The Wire, Meet the Parents), Gregory Alan Williams (Greenleaf, Remember the Titans), Ryan Eggold (New Amsterdam, The Blacklist), Owen Teague (Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, It), and Harlow Jane (High Desert, She Came to Me).

Inspired by the acclaimed true-crime documentary series by Barbara Schroeder and Trey Borzillieri, the script was penned by WGA nominee Courtenay Miles.

The 51st edition of TIFF will run September 10—20, 2026.