'Faces of Death' director reveals how Charli XCX joined cast in surprise casting move

Charli XCX quietly stepped into her first significant film role after personally reaching out to filmmaker Daniel Goldhaber, according to the director of the new horror feature Faces of Death.

In an interview with People, Goldhaber revealed that Charli was the final piece of casting for the film and secured the role simply by expressing interest. 

After learning the project was heading into production, he said the singer contacted him directly, asking to be part of the movie.

“She reached out and was like, ‘Hey, can I be in Faces of Death?’ And I was like, ‘Yes,’” Goldhaber recalled, noting that a supporting role had yet to be cast at the time.

Charli plays Gabby, a content moderator with a fascination for violent online footage, appearing alongside Barbie Ferreira and Dacre Montgomery in the horror satire. 

The film explores opposing perspectives on media violence within a digital platform workplace.

Goldhaber described the project as Charli’s “first real role in a movie,” as it was filmed in 2023, before the release of her breakthrough album Brat, which significantly elevated her global profile.

Beyond landing the role, Charli also played an active creative part in shaping her character. 

According to Goldhaber, she influenced Gabby’s wardrobe and vocal performance, including her American accent.

“That was all her,” he said, adding that Charli came into the project with a clear vision inspired by the character Marla Singer from Fight Club.

The director said he encourages actors to contribute creatively, noting that Charli and her co-stars brought personal interpretation to their roles throughout production.

Since filming Faces of Death, Charli has expanded her acting résumé with a growing list of film projects, marking a notable parallel career alongside her music success.