Geremy Jasper's "O'Dessa" premieres on Hulu March 20

Filmmaker Geremy Jasper has spent nearly 20 years developing his dystopian rock opera, "O’Dessa," which will be available on Hulu starting March 20. The film features Sadie Sink, Regina Hall, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and Murray Bartlett. Jasper first imagined "O’Dessa" after being inspired by avant-garde theater and music. He envisioned a teenage heroine who would challenge a cruel reality TV host. "I had a delusion of grandeur" about creating an engaging theatrical experience, he recalled during a video interview. The main character, O’Dessa, is a singer and guitarist journeying to Satylite City after her mother's death. There, she confronts the dictator Plutonovich, portrayed by Bartlett, who rules through fear and manipulation. Jasper originally struggled with casting the role, worrying O’Dessa was "un-castable." Before "O’Dessa," Jasper gained recognition with his 2017 film "Patti Cake$," about a young woman pursuing her dreams in hip-hop. This success reignited his passion for "O’Dessa," a project he had shelved for years. The film's visual style draws from classic 1980s movies and incorporates Jasper's interests in American folklore and science fiction. The cast members were drawn to the unique story and range of characters. Hall expressed excitement about playing a villain, while Harrison found the script refreshing because it "did not play by any of the rules." Sadie Sink, now 22, impressed Jasper with her audition tape after receiving an early version of the script. He felt she embodied the character perfectly, and her hard work on the production made a lasting impact on the team. As Jasper reflects on his long journey to make "O’Dessa," he emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance in the creative process, concluding that finding the right actress and bringing the project to life was worth the wait.