The ensemble comedy I Love Boosters is set to debut at SXSW on March 12 and open in theaters on May 22. The film brings together a star-studded cast that includes Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, LaKeith Stanfield, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle, and Demi Moore.
At a Glance
- Ensemble comedy I Love Boosters opens in theaters on May 22.
- Stars Keke Palmer, Naomi Ackie, Taylour Paige, LaKeith Stanfield, Poppy Liu, Eiza González, Will Poulter, Don Cheadle and Demi Moore.
- Premieres at SXSW on March 12 and the first trailer was released on January 27, 2026.
Release Strategy
Neon released the first trailer on January 27, 2026, setting the stage for a summer theatrical launch. The film will hit theaters on May 22, following its world premiere at SXSW. This staggered release allows the film to build buzz at a major festival before a wide audience sees it.
Cast Highlights
- Keke Palmer (32) leads the heist crew, bringing her energetic presence to the role.
- Naomi Ackie joins Palmer in a dynamic partnership that drives the film’s humor.
- Taylour Paige and LaKeith Stanfield (34) add depth to the ensemble with their seasoned performances.
- Poppy Liu, Eiza González, and Will Poulter round out the cast with diverse talent.
- Don Cheadle was a surprise addition, announced in an Instagram post on January 26.
- Demi Moore appears in her first film since 2024’s The Substance.
Director and Production
Boots Riley returns to the screen with I Love Boosters, his first film since 2018’s Sorry to Bother You. Riley’s previous work earned a 2019 Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. The new film showcases his signature blend of satire and social commentary.
Synopsis and Themes
The plot follows a crew of professional shoplifters who target a cutthroat fashion maven. Riley describes the premise as a “crew of professional shoplifters takes aim at a cutthroat fashion maven,” and adds, “It’s like community service.” The film blends heist mechanics with sharp humor and commentary on consumer culture.
Marketing and Promotion
Neon’s marketing campaign began with a trailer release on January 27, 2026. The poster, shared on Instagram by Riley on January 26, highlighted Don Cheadle’s surprise cameo. Riley’s caption read: “Oh yeah-and we were keeping it a surprise, but then we thought F— THE SURPRISE,” he wrote. “Don Cheadle is also in this, and he’s brilliant.”
Keke Palmer’s 2025 filmography-One of Them Days, The Pickup, and Good Fortune-prepares her for her first 2026 feature. Meanwhile, Demi Moore’s return follows her award-winning 2024 performance.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 27, 2026 | Trailer released by Neon |
| January 26, 2026 | Poster and Don Cheadle announcement on Instagram |
| March 12, 2026 | World premiere at SXSW |
| May 22, 2026 | Theatrical release |
Key Takeaways
- I Love Boosters marks Boots Riley’s return to feature films after Sorry to Bother You.
- The film’s ensemble cast blends established stars with rising talent.
- A strategic release plan-from festival premiere to wide theaters-aims to maximize audience reach.
- Marketing highlights include a surprise cameo by Don Cheadle and a trailer that sets the tone for a sharp, comedic heist.
