**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NASHVILLE, TN – July 14, 2025 – Actor and musician Luke Benward has officially signed a multi-picture development deal with Paramount Pictures, according to a statement released by the studio earlier today.

Who: Luke Benward, 29, known for his roles in Dumplin’ and the television series Good Trouble.

What: Secured a comprehensive agreement to star in and executive produce a series of original theatrical films.

Where: The deal was finalized at Paramount Pictures’ headquarters in Los Angeles, California.

When: The announcement was made public on Monday, July 14, 2025.

Why: Industry sources indicate the partnership is designed to leverage Benward’s established crossover appeal between the Disney Channel audience and adult streaming demographics, following his critically praised performance in the 2024 drama The Water Man.

The first project under the deal, tentatively titled Last Call at the Dust Bowl, is scheduled to begin principal photography in early 2026.