From Music to Movies: Raye Joins Cast of London Crime Drama 'Lineage'
Raye is officially entering the world of film acting, landing her first scripted role in the upcoming crime feature Lineage. The London-set project is directed by Yann Demange and has been reported by Variety.
Known musically as a rising British star and born Rachel Keen, Raye recently released her second album This Music May Contain Hope. Her move into acting follows growing recognition in the music industry and a recent on-screen appearance in Netflix’s Black Rabbit, where she played herself.
Raye joins Lineage, her first scripted film role, a London crime drama starring Isabelle Huppert.
Billboard
Lineage brings together a strong international cast, including Isabelle Huppert, Dali Benssalah, and Adam Bessa. Although Raye’s character has not yet been revealed, her casting marks a significant milestone in her expanding career.
The film is set in modern-day London and follows Tariq, a young father trying to rebuild his life after being released from prison. His efforts to start over with his son, Amine, are complicated when he is pulled back into criminal activity after receiving a desperate message from his brother. The story becomes more intense with the revelation that Tariq’s mother is a powerful crime boss.
Production on Lineage is set to begin in London in early August. Director Yann Demange is known for his work on ’71 (2014), White Boy Rick (2018), and episodes of HBO’s Lovecraft Country.
Raye has previously spoken about her interest in acting after her experience on Black Rabbit. She described her first scripted moment on screen, saying:
“Reading my very first ever ‘on screen’ lines whilst staring into Jason Bateman’s eyes is a life experience I will never forget,” Raye told Billboard last year.
Her acting debut follows a successful shift in her music career. After years of writing for other artists, she released her independent debut album My 21st Century Blues in 2023. The project earned her nominations at the Grammys, including Best New Artist and Songwriter of the Year.
Reflecting on her independence in music, she told Rolling Stone:
“I don’t have to answer to anyone or meet anyone’s requirements or do any somersaults for anyone anymore. I’m in control of my career and I’m really in the thick of that. It’s quite liberating.”
