Jordan Firstman Transitions from Viral Comedy to Directorial Success with Club Kid
The actor-director explores unconventional fatherhood in his critically acclaimed, A24-acquired feature film debut.
1The Directorial Debut
Jordan Firstman makes his directorial debut with Club Kid, a comedy-drama he also wrote and stars in. The film follows Peter, a dissolute New York club promoter forced to parent Arlo, a 10-year-old son he never knew existed. The project marks a significant shift in Firstman's career trajectory.
2Cannes Festival Reception
The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May, where it received a seven-minute standing ovation. Following a competitive bidding war, A24 acquired the rights for a reported $17 million. These early screenings have generated substantial buzz, positioning the film as a major upcoming theatrical release.
3The Plot Premise
Peter, a party promoter who sells drugs and lives a hedonistic lifestyle, is confronted by Edison, a woman who reveals that Peter fathered a child during a past bisexual encounter. Arlo arrives in New York after his mother's death, forcing the immature Peter to confront sudden, life-altering responsibilities.
4Character Dynamics
Peter is supported by his drug-using business partner, Sophie, played by Cara Delevingne. The film also features eccentric supporting characters like Saffron, a glamorous DJ, and Nicky, an aspiring philosopher. These characters populate the vibrant, chaotic New York nightlife scene that serves as the backdrop for Peter's transformation.
5Arlo's Portrayal
Reggie Absolom delivers a nuanced performance as Arlo, a bright child with a penchant for Cocteau Twins music. Unlike typical cinematic children, Arlo displays genuine, fleeting anger and complex emotions. His presence challenges Peter to abandon his party-centric lifestyle and engage with the serious realities of fatherhood.
6Tone and Style
Club Kid balances raw depictions of gay sex and party drug culture with a heartwarming narrative about parenting. Firstman utilizes sight gags, such as a scene involving an NSFW T-shirt, to highlight Peter's cluelessness. This juxtaposition of grit and sweetness defines the film's unique, highly likable comedic tone.
7Personal Growth Narrative
Firstman views the film as a response to his previous work, specifically 2023’s Rotting in the Sun. After playing a caricatured version of himself, he felt unfairly judged by audiences. Club Kid serves as a deliberate attempt to present a more authentic, vulnerable side of his personality to viewers.
8Career Evolution
Firstman rose to fame during the pandemic with viral Instagram sketches. Despite facing backlash for past social media posts and the cancellation of his Fox series English Teacher in 2025, he remains a resilient industry figure. He currently holds a regular role on the HBO series I Love LA.
9Navigating Public Perception
Firstman admits to being 'too online,' often struggling with how public opinion shifts rapidly. He notes that his reputation has fluctuated from being a pandemic favorite to facing intense scrutiny. He hopes that Club Kid will bridge the gap between his polarizing online persona and the general population.
10The Parenting Trope
The film joins a long cinematic tradition of unprepared men thrust into parental roles, similar to About a Boy. Firstman acknowledges that while the setup is classic, the unpredictability of child behavior remains the film's central wild card. He aims to make this familiar premise feel both believable and moving.
11Artistic Validation
Despite past criticism, Firstman has received praise from industry legends like Pedro Almodóvar, who recognized him as a 'real actor' after his performance in Rotting in the Sun. This validation has encouraged him to pursue more grounded, character-driven work, moving away from the polarizing sketches of his early career.
12Future Outlook
As Club Kid prepares for a wider theatrical release, Firstman remains cautiously optimistic about its broader appeal. He continues to balance his acting career on HBO with his new role as a filmmaker. The film stands as a testament to his desire to evolve beyond his internet-famous roots.