Canadian actress Iera Ashayib has signed on to star in DEADBEAT: From Daddy to Rachel, the latest dramatic feature from Carl Jackson Studios. The film, based on true events, will see Ashayib portraying the mother in a story that examines the fractured relationship between a father and his estranged daughter.
The project marks another addition to Jackson’s expanding slate of productions. The filmmaker is drawing from personal experiences to craft DEADBEAT, which centers on a father’s attempts to reconnect with his daughter after years of separation. Ashayib’s casting brings a seasoned performer to the emotionally charged material, with the actress set to anchor the family drama’s central conflict.
The film explores themes of redemption and the challenges of rebuilding broken family bonds. By grounding the narrative in real events, Jackson aims to create an authentic portrayal of the struggles many families face when attempting to heal longstanding wounds and reestablish connections that have been severed.
Ashayib, known for her work in Canadian film and television, brings considerable dramatic experience to the role. Her involvement signals the production’s commitment to assembling talent capable of handling the nuanced emotional territory the story requires.
The announcement comes as Carl Jackson Entertainment maintains an active production schedule. Jackson is currently filming the action-comedy I Am Ryan, which stars HOBART, and has LAX 3 in pre-production with Andrea McClew attached. The addition of DEADBEAT to this lineup demonstrates the studio’s range, moving from action-comedy to intimate family drama.
DEADBEAT: From Daddy to Rachel represents a departure from Jackson’s recent projects, focusing on interpersonal relationships rather than high-concept genre pieces. The film’s exploration of parental estrangement and the possibility of reconciliation positions it within a tradition of character-driven dramas that examine family dynamics.
With Ashayib now attached to the lead role, the production company moves closer to bringing this personal story to audiences. The combination of Jackson’s firsthand perspective and Ashayib’s performance promises to deliver an authentic examination of one family’s journey toward healing and understanding. DEADBEAT: FROM DADDY TO RACHEL is scheduled to hit theaters Christmas 2026.
