Jay Ellis is lacing up his sneakers, putting on a basketball jersey, and wielding a sword in Freaky Tales, an action-packed period film set in 1987 Oakland. The Insecure and Top Gun: Maverick star takes on the role of NBA player Eric “Sleepy” Floyd in the upcoming anthology directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck.
The film, which premiered at Sundance 2024, features multiple interconnected narratives set in Oakland’s underground world, narrated by Too Short. Freaky Tales stars Pedro Pascal as Clint, a man entangled in the classic “one last job” trope that quickly spirals out of control. The newly released trailer teases a wild mix of crime, chaos, and nostalgic hip-hop energy, with a particular standout moment showing Ellis’ Sleepy Floyd wielding a sword in a dramatic confrontation.
First trailer for ‘FREAKY TALES’, starring Pedro Pascal, Normani, Jay Ellis, Ben Mendelsohn, Angus Cloud and Marshawn Lynch.
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 18, 2025
In theaters on April 4. pic.twitter.com/vDQDFlhEAk
A former Golden State Warriors star, the real-life Sleepy Floyd made NBA history in 1987— the same year the film takes place— by setting a playoff record for most points in a single quarter. In Freaky Tales, however, Ellis’ portrayal of Floyd takes a more action-hero turn.
Joining Ellis and Pascal in the eclectic ensemble are Ben Mendelsohn, the late Angus Cloud, Dominique Thorne, Ji-young Yoo, Jack Champion, Keir Gilchrist, and singer Normani in her feature film debut. With its mix of sports, music, and street-level crime storytelling, Freaky Tales gives a thrilling homage to the culture of late ’80s Oakland.
Freaky Tales hits theaters on April 4.
