Jason Isaacs Reunites With 'Death of Stalin' Writer for WWII Dark Comedy

Jason Isaacs is set to join Bad Major, a World War II dark comedy that marks the feature directorial debut of Peter Fellows. Fellows co-wrote The Death of Stalin and previously worked with Armando Iannucci on projects including Veep and Avenue 5. The ensemble also features Josh Gad, Ruth Negga, Derek Jacobi and Rosie Jones.

Based on István Örkény’s novella The Tót Family, the story is set in the summer of 1942 and follows a family that invites a volatile commanding officer into their rural home to keep their son safe, only to find themselves increasingly controlled by his obsessive rules and psychological pressure.

Fellows said the adaptation will balance comedy with emotional weight, promising a film that is both “properly funny” and “heart‑wrenching” as it explores desperation, loss and the absurd lengths people go to protect loved ones. Isaacs arrives on Bad Major after a busy 2025 that included The White Lotus Season 3 and appearances in Words of War, Honey Bunch, Juliet & Romeo and Heavyweight.

jason isaacs, bad major, peter fellows, armando iannucci, josh gad, ruth negga, derek jacobi, rosie jones, tót family, wwii