EXCLUSIVE: Bashir Salahuddin (Sherman’s Showcase) and Michael Strassner (The Baltimorons) are set for roles opposite Nina Concepción in Ruthie Joins a Death Cult, an indie dark comedy co-written and produced by the actress.
Nearing the completion of its Los Angeles shoot, the film follows Ruthie Ramos (Concepción), a vibrant but lonely young woman yearning for connection. When she meets two charismatic women who introduce her to the group The Ascension, she soon discovers just how far she’s willing to go for friendship.
Salahuddin plays the enigmatic leader of the titular cult, with Strassner as lovable cult member Toddrick. Others in the cast include Barbara Crampton, Dana DeLorenzo, Kimia Behpoornia, Jiavani, Courtney Pauroso, and Oscar Montoya.
Directed and co-written by Kyle Kenyon, a veteran editor who worked in post on FX’s Welcome to Wrexham, the indie is produced by Lauren Bennett (Louie, Baskets), Darryl Jones, Hillary Jones, and Tara Hotchkis (2026 Oscar-winning Live Action Short Film The Singers).
Salahuddin is the co-creator, writer and star of HBO Max’s South Side as well as IFC/AMC+’s Emmy-winning series Sherman’s Showcase. His recent acting work includes How to Die Alone, Another Simple Favor, Top Gun: Maverick, and The Dropout. He is repped by CAA, Color Creative, TFC Management, and Yorn, Levine Barnes.
Breaking out recently as the co-writer and star of Jay Duplass’ Independent Spirit Award-nominated dramedy The Baltimorons, which took home the Audience Award at SXSW 2025, Strassner has also recently been seen in a supporting role alongside Will Brill, Gillian Jacobs and Rob Lowe in the dark comedy The Musical, which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. He is repped by Paradigm, Stride Management, and Yorn, Levine, Barnes.
Concepción’s credits include ABC’s Shifting Gears, Starz’s Shining Vale, CBS’s NCIS and Fox’s 9-1-1: Lone Star. A longtime performer and teacher at the Upright Citizen’s Brigade Theater in Los Angeles, she is repped by Vital Entertainment and Clear Talent Group.