Ben Stiller is returning to acting with the film 'Nutcrackers' after a seven-year hiatus, marking his first lead role since 2017's 'Brad's Status'. Directed by David Gordon Green, the dramedy will open the 49th Toronto International Film Festival on September 5. Stiller portrays Michael, a workaholic real estate developer who must care for his nephews after their parents are involved in a tragic accident. His decision to act was influenced by scheduling opportunities that arose due to production delays on his directing project 'Severance' during the recent strikes. The film was shot on a rural Ohio farm and features the director's own sons as Stiller's unruly nephews, adding a unique dynamic to the production. Stiller expressed that although he didn't intend to take such a long break from acting, the circumstances allowed for this unexpected return.