Reese Witherspoon's son Deacon Phillippe set to make big-screen debut opposite Liam Neeson

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: It seems talent truly runs in the family as Deacon Phillippe, the son of Hollywood heavyweights Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe, is gearing up to make his big-screen debut. 

The 20-year-old will make his feature film debut alongside none other than Liam Neeson, 72, in an exciting dark heist comedy titled '4 Kids Walk into a Bank', as reported by Deadline. 

Deacon Phillippe among the star-studded cast of heist comedy '4 Kids Walk into a Bank'

'4 Kids Walk into a Bank', which is set to be directed by Frankie Shaw, boasts a star-studded ensemble cast, including Talia Ryder, Noah Jupe ('A Quiet Place'), Whitney Peak ('Gossip Girl'), and Jack Dylan Grazer ('It').

It will be an adaptation of Matthew Rosenberg and Tyler Boss' bestselling graphic novel of the same name. 

Neeson will portray Danny, an ex-bank robber whose teenage granddaughter, Paige (played by Ryder), is the apple of his eye, as per People. 

But when Paige overhears that her grandfather’s old crew is roping him back into one final heist to settle a debt, she devises a plan that only a modern-day Robin Hood could dream up: she and her three best friends will rob the bank first to save him from having to do it. 

With Deacon potentially joining the heist crew, audiences can expect a fresh and youthful twist on the genre.

Deacon Phillippe's journey from dorm room recordings to the big screen

This won't be Deacon Phillippe's first foray into the entertainment world, though it certainly marks a significant step forward.

Last year, Deacon released his debut album, 'A New Earth', showcasing his musical talents during his first year at New York University where he studies music.

Reflecting on the process, the 20-year-old told People, "Recording it in my dorm while attending school was one of the most challenging things I ever did."

The 12-track album, which dropped in April 2023, underscores his passion for music that seems to run parallel to his budding acting career.

Deacon's acting debut came in July 2022, when he joined the cast of Netflix’s hit series 'Never Have I Ever'.

In the show’s third season, he played Parker, a charming member of the rival debate team opposing the main character, Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan).

Series creator Mindy Kaling revealed that Deacon's journey into acting was sparked by a candid conversation with his mother, Reese, who shared his growing interest in performing.

"Reese had told me that he was interested in performing. I only had this role that seemed really good for him. He’s so super talented, obviously really handsome, but here’s this kid who’s been raised by two very successful actors and he wanted to learn," shared 'The Office' actress. 

Ryan has also been vocal about his pride in his son's artistic endeavors.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight in August 2022, the 'Shooter' actor expressed admiration for Deacon's dedication and drive.

Ryan said, "I am so proud. He's about to go to college for music. That's his primary focus. The acting thing he likes to do, and he will do according to what his appetite for it is, but his focus is primarily music."

Deacon Phillippe fuels nepotism debate as he lands major role opposite Liam Neeson 

The nepotism talk surrounding Deacon Phillippe once again reignited as his role in '4 Kids Walk into a Bank' came to light. 

One netizen expressed, "I think it's really unfair that because you have famous parents, it's a lot easier for these children to get into the industry whether it be acting, singing, modelling, etc. A lot of them are actually talented and I'll give them that, but there are so many people who actually study and hustle so hard to get into the industry and can't get a look in because these famous children nestle in there first."

Another shared, "If you've got famous parents, yet can make it on your own, the talent is hereditary. If you need parents to literally stand right next to you for publicity, it's nepo. Famous parents can support indirectly to avoid claims of nepotism."

One more pointed out, "It would be nice for a change to read about a nepo baby who works in nursing or who teaches," and a person expressed, "He'll ruin it. Stop hiring people because of who their parents are. We can always tell because they can't act and have no onscreen presence."

"Who says nepotism is not a thing! Another huge jaw enters the industry," declared another person, An individual wrote, "Not what you know but who you know. another nepo baby." 

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