EXCLUSIVE: Sean Astin ( The Lord of the Rings ) has taken his first starring role since winning the SAG-AFTRA presidency. In the Scrooge-inspired indie pic Scruggs , Astin will star opposite Calvin Kassab , who plays the titular character, and serves as executive producer. Also starring are Donnell Clayton ( Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F ), Andrew Dawe-Collins ( Pitchfork ) and opera singer Sarah Catherine Moore in her film debut. Sam Logan Khaleghi is the producer on Scruggs , which is headed to the Cannes Market. Kassab Pictures is making it in association with SLK Media Group, with Zachary Ruda directing in a freshman effort. Production recently wrapped in Detroit, Michigan, with a plan to release during the 2026 festive season. The film reimagines Charles Dickens’ novel A Christmas Carol as an “edgy modern-day take filled with outrageous characters, as it follows a greedy real estate mogul, Edward Scruggs, on a magical journey with three larger-than-life spirits on Christmas Eve,” per the producers.…