Louis Paxton, writer-director of the dark comedy-drama The Incomer, has been named to the 2026 U.K. BAFTA Breakthrough list, supported by Netflix. The recognition comes as he develops his next projects, including The Waffle House Index, which he is attached to direct for Plan B and Apple.
The Incomer is set on a remote Scottish island, where siblings who have lived in isolation for decades hunt seabirds, encounter mythic creatures and resist being moved to the mainland. Their lives change when Daniel, a council worker played by Domhnall Gleeson, arrives to relocate them. The cast also includes Gayle Rankin and John Hannah, while Moby’s production company, Little Walnut Productions, backed the film.
Paxton told The Hollywood Reporter that the story draws on his family’s connection to Orkney, where his mother’s relatives are from. He said he was fascinated by the islands’ distinct culture and by the difficult choice of leaving a place that had been home to generations. Elements of his relationship with his sister also informed the sibling dynamic in the film.
The director credited casting director Kharmel Cochrane with assembling the ensemble. Paxton said the script was key to attracting actors, and described it as reassuring that performers would take part in a project from a filmmaker whose previous work consisted of short films. Moby and creative partner Lindsay Hicks became involved after reading the screenplay; Paxton said they supported the film and liked it overall.
Paxton said he is writing and directing two projects set in the U.K.: a horror comedy and a straight comedy. He is also attached to direct The Waffle House Index, based on a script by Andrew Nunnelly. The project is being made with Apple and has Inde Navarrette in the lead role. Paxton said filming is planned for next year and that it is likely to be his next project.
Paxton said he is looking forward to meeting other creatives through BAFTA Breakthrough and learning from more experienced people in the industry.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter.