The Unseen John Cusack: 7 Shocking New Projects And Controversies That Define His 2025 Comeback

The iconic, trench-coat-wearing figure of 80s and 90s cinema, John Cusack, is back in the spotlight, not just with new film projects but with a surprising shift into the world of comic books and a renewed intensity in his political commentary. While fans of his classic roles in Say Anything... and High Fidelity might expect a return to romantic comedy, the actor's current endeavors, as of December 18, 2025, reveal a multifaceted artist unafraid to court controversy and explore new creative avenues. His latest moves—a debut graphic novel, a gritty 2025 thriller, and a series of explosive public statements—prove that the man who once held a boombox aloft is still determined to be heard.

The latest updates on Cusack’s career confirm a deliberate move away from the mainstream Hollywood machine, focusing on passion projects that reflect his long-standing artistic and political commitments. His 2025 and 2026 slate is arguably his most diverse in years, cementing his status as a true Hollywood outlier who continues to defy expectations.

John Cusack: Full Biography and Career Profile

John Paul Cusack was born on June 28, 1966, in Evanston, Illinois, into a family steeped in the performing arts. His father, Dick Cusack, was a documentary filmmaker, actor, and producer, while his mother, Ann Paula "Nancy" Carolan, was a former mathematics teacher who also had a passion for the stage. The creative environment of his youth was a clear catalyst for his career, which began in the early 1980s.

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• Full Name: John Paul Cusack
• Date of Birth: June 28, 1966
• Age (as of 2025): 59
• Birthplace: Evanston, Illinois, U.S.
• Parents: Dick Cusack (Father, Actor/Filmmaker), Nancy Cusack (Mother, Teacher/Actress)
• Siblings: Ann Cusack, Joan Cusack, Susie Cusack, and Bill Cusack (All are actors, making the Cusack family one of Hollywood’s most prominent acting clans).
• Education: Evanston Township High School, briefly attended New York University.
• Debut Film: Class (1983)
• Iconic Roles: Lloyd Dobler in Say Anything... (1989), Rob Gordon in High Fidelity (2000), Martin Blank in Grosse Pointe Blank (1997), Craig Schwartz in Being John Malkovich (1999).
• Notable Collaborators: Sister Joan Cusack (appeared in 10 films together), Stephen Frears, Spike Jonze, Cameron Crowe.

Cusack rose to fame as a member of the "Brat Pack" adjacent actors in the mid-80s, starring in teen classics like Sixteen Candles and The Sure Thing. He successfully transitioned to more mature and complex roles in the 90s, often portraying the cynical, intelligent, and emotionally guarded anti-hero. His work in films like The Grifters, Bullets Over Broadway, and the cult-favorite action-comedy Grosse Pointe Blank (which he also co-wrote and produced) solidified his reputation as a versatile and fiercely independent performer.

The Shocking 2025/2026 Project Slate: From Thrillers to Graphic Novels

The latest news surrounding John Cusack reveals a creative burst that is both unexpected and ambitious, highlighting his desire to produce content outside the traditional studio system. These projects are set to dominate discussions about his career over the next two years.

1. The Debut Graphic Novel: 'Momo' (2026)

Perhaps the most surprising entry on his current slate is his foray into the world of comics. Cusack is slated to release his debut graphic novel, titled Momo, in collaboration with artist Ignacio Noé and Mad Cave Studios. The book is scheduled for release on June 16, 2026, with an initial preview and presence at the New York Comic Con 2025. The project is described as a "cosmic road trip," suggesting a departure from the grounded, character-driven narratives he is best known for. This move demonstrates Cusack’s commitment to exploring new storytelling mediums, following in the footsteps of other actors who have branched out into writing and directing.

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2. The Gritty New Film: 'Fog of War' (2025)

Cusack is set to star in the upcoming thriller Fog of War, with a trailer already released and a projected 2025 release date. While specific plot details are guarded, the title and genre suggest a return to the darker, more intense roles he has taken on in films like The Raven and Blood Money. The film co-stars Brianna Hildebrand, indicating a pairing of the veteran star with a rising talent, which often signals an intriguing, character-focused dynamic. This project is a clear signal that Cusack is not retiring from the screen but is instead choosing compelling, high-stakes narratives.

3. The 'TBA' Mystery: 'My Only Sunshine'

Another film listed on his upcoming credits is My Only Sunshine. As of late 2025, the project remains in the "TBA" (To Be Announced) category, fueling speculation among fans. The title hints at a potentially softer, more dramatic role, possibly a return to the romantic or emotionally complex territory that made him a star in films like Serendipity and Love & Mercy. The lack of a firm release date suggests it may still be in development or post-production, making it a highly anticipated but mysterious entry on his filmography.

The Outspoken Outlier: John Cusack's Unfiltered Political Voice

Beyond his creative projects, John Cusack has consistently made headlines not for his acting, but for his fiercely independent and often controversial political and social commentary. Known for his activism and willingness to engage in public discourse, his recent statements have been particularly polarizing, cementing his role as a Hollywood outlier.

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4. Advocacy for Geopolitical Nuclearization

In one of his most shocking recent statements, Cusack publicly advocated for Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon, arguing that it is the "only way to deter US and Israel." This highly controversial stance generated significant media attention and backlash, highlighting his willingness to take extreme positions on complex geopolitical issues. This event underscores his reputation as an activist who uses his platform to challenge established foreign policy narratives, regardless of the criticism he receives.

5. Unwavering Anti-Trump Stance

Cusack has been a vocal and consistent critic of Donald Trump. His public appearances and social media activity frequently feature strong denunciations of the former president and his policies. At one "No Kings" protest, he was quoted as saying Trump should "go to hell," a sentiment that resonates with his long-held progressive views and his commitment to social justice causes. His political engagement is not a passing phase; it is an integral part of his public identity, often leading to intense online debates and discussions about the role of celebrity in politics.

6. The Legacy of Independent Production

Cusack’s long-standing desire for creative control is a political statement in itself. His involvement as a writer and producer on films like Grosse Pointe Blank and War, Inc. (a political satire) demonstrates a career-long commitment to making films with a clear, often critical, point of view. This independent spirit is the common thread connecting his early work to his new projects like Momo and his outspoken political commentary.

7. The Enduring Appeal of Lloyd Dobler

Despite his recent focus on darker roles and politics, the entity that continues to define John Cusack for millions of fans is Lloyd Dobler from Say Anything.... The film, directed by Cameron Crowe, established the archetype of the sensitive, thoughtful, and romantic outsider. The enduring appeal of this character, and his subsequent role as the music-obsessed Rob Gordon in High Fidelity, ensures that his legacy remains tied to a specific brand of intelligent, emotionally resonant cinema that his new, more political and genre-bending projects continue to subvert and expand upon.