Indio Downey is stepping into the spotlight with a major career move of his own. The musician and actor, whose father Robert Downey Jr. became a global star through Marvel, will headline an independent film that tackles addiction, complicated relationships and life on the fringes of Los Angeles.
Indio Downey to lead ‘Tarantino-esque’ novel adaptation, Love In Vein
At 33, Indio has landed his first leading role in a feature film with Love In Vein, an adaptation of Ryan Leone’s 2014 novel Wasting Talent. Will De Los Santos, known for Spun, will write and direct the project, which Muse Productions is developing with ArtHouse Gooning.
Indio will portray Damien, a troubled man caught in a turbulent world of drugs, music, romance and survival. The film draws from Leone’s uncompromising portrayal of addiction and self-destruction. The late author’s work also earned praise from Bret Easton Ellis, who described the novel as a “Tarantino-esque journey into so-cal madness.” The adaptation aims to preserve the book’s raw approach rather than smooth over its difficult subject matter (via CBR).
De Los Santos said Leone’s death has given the project greater personal significance. He wants the movie to respect the author’s honest treatment of addiction, love and Los Angeles without diluting the original material. “I want to honor his voice and the rawness of the book without softening its edges,” he said.
Producer Chris Hanley also sees a personal connection in the casting. He previously worked with Robert Downey Jr. on Two Girls and a Guy and called his collaboration with Indio a “wonderful full-circle moment.”
Hanley added that the younger Downey has the “vulnerability” and “authenticity” the role demands. Indio has acted in smaller roles before, including an appearance in his father’s Kiss Kiss Bang Bang when he was 9. He also pursues music, releasing his solo EP Cigarettes in Bed in 2024.
Hanley will team up with Orson Oblowitz, Tricia van Klaveren and Ben D. Wallace to produce the project. Blue Shark Pictures, backed by financier Jeffrey Gliwa, will fund the film, with Gliwa also taking on executive producer duties. Cameras are expected to roll in Los Angeles during March and April 2027 (via Deadline).
