Divine Destiny: Elijah Rowen and Jack McEvoy cast in "Pripyat"

Pictured from left to right, Jack McEvoy and Elijah Rowen

There are moments in filmmaking when everything aligns—not by strategy or coincidence—but by something higher. Something divine. That’s exactly what happened with the casting of PRIPYAT, my upcoming historical drama inspired by the real lives forever changed by the Chernobyl catastrophe.

It is with immense excitement and gratitude that I announce Elijah Rowen has officially been cast as Sacha, the devoted pianist and love of Sera, and Jack McEvoy will portray Max, Sacha’s loyal best friend. What makes this casting truly extraordinary is the story behind it. While speaking with my co-producer María Elena Infantino, she happened to mention that Elijah had a beautiful Slavic accent—a detail that struck me instantly, as it is paramount to the authenticity of the role. María Elena had sent me several actor options to review, but as fate would have it, I suddenly suggested that Jack McEvoy might be perfect for the role of Max. I confessed to María Elena that I couldn’t quite explain it, but I felt something—a sense of kismet.

What came next left us both speechless. She replied, “You’re not going to believe this… Elijah and Jack are actually best friends in real life.”

In that instant, I knew it wasn’t coincidence. It was destiny.

Originally, actor Andrew Gray had been slated to play Sacha, but due to an unexpected scheduling conflict, he was unable to commit. As disappointing as that seemed at first, it now feels clear that everything unfolded exactly as it was meant to. Elijah and Jack share a genuine brotherhood off-screen—and in PRIPYAT, their characters’ deep friendship and emotional bond lie at the heart of the story. That real-life connection will translate powerfully onto the screen, giving the film an authenticity that simply cannot be manufactured.

From the moment Elijah read for Sacha, I could see the haunting depth in his eyes—the weight of love, loss, and courage that defines the character. Jack brings balance—a grounded, human energy that perfectly complements Elijah’s intensity. Together, they embody the soul of this story: friendship, sacrifice, and love that endures even in the shadow of devastation.

This casting feels nothing short of providential. I often say that PRIPYAT is more than a film—it’s a poetic reckoning, a story born from ashes and guided by something greater than us. And this moment only confirms that belief.

So with profound excitement, I officially welcome Elijah Rowen as Sacha and Jack McEvoy as Max to the PRIPYATfamily.

Sometimes, what seems accidental is actually divine orchestration.And in this case—I truly believe this was a God-thing. ~Alicia