Chris Rock returns to directing with film Misty Green

Chris Rock's new film "Misty Green" had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on Saturday, September 12, 2026, marking the comedian's return to directing after a decade. The Hollywood drama, which Rock wrote and directed, stars Rosalind Eleazar as a once-successful actress whose career has faded, leading her to attempt a comeback. During the festival, Rock revealed that acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson provided feedback on the project. "He watched it as a friend and critic," Rock said, adding that Anderson offered "a tweak here or there." Rock did not specify what changes were suggested. The film's themes were a central topic of discussion. Rock explained that "Misty Green" challenges Hollywood's tendency to portray Black women as relentlessly positive characters. He stated he wanted the central character to be "complicated and messy," noting that he finds stories about such women more compelling. Rock also reflected on the industry's history, recalling a time when studio budgets included separate pay scales based on race and gender, with Black women receiving the lowest compensation. Rock's daughter, Zahra Savannah Rock, appears in the film.