Chili Finger is a 2026 American crime black comedy film directed by Edd Benda and Stephen Helstad, and written by Helstad. It stars Judy Greer, Sean Astin, Bryan Cranston, and John Goodman.
It had its world premiere at the 2026 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival on March 14, 2026.
Contents
Premise
A recently empty-nested mother Jessica Lipki discovers a severed human finger in her bowl of chili and blackmails the regionally-beloved "Blake Junior's" fast-food chain for $100,000. Blake Junior, the plutocratic founder behind the restaurant, recruits his ex-marine buddy, Dave, to investigate Jess and discover the truth behind the chili finger.
Cast
Judy Greer as Jessica Lipki
Sean Astin as Ron Lipki
Bryan Cranston as Dave, war veteran and fixer for Blake Jr
John Goodman as Blake Jr, CEO of a fast-food restaurant
Madeline Wise as Blake Jr. II, Blake Jr's daughter and business executive of his fast-food restaurant
Paul Stanko as Trevor, factory worker
Sarah Herrman as Nia, Trevor's pregnant wife
Sara Sevigny as Jackie
Dann Florek as Carl
Shaya Harris as Kris Lipki, Jessica and Ron's daughter who is heading to college
Production
In November 2024, it was announced that a crime comedy film directed by Edd Benda and Stephen Helstad was in pre-production, with Judy Greer, Sean Astin, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman, Sarah Herrman, and Paul Stanko joining the cast. Principal photography began in May 2025, in central Illinois.
Release
It had its world premiere at the 2026 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival on March 14, 2026.