Tom Francis to Depart Sunset Boulevard on July 6; Pierre Marais to Step In

Tom Francis, the Olivier Award-winning actor whose breakout performance as Joe Gillis helped define Jamie Lloyd’s acclaimed revival of Sunset Boulevard, will take his final bow at Broadway’s St. James Theatre on Sunday, July 6.

Francis originated the role in London in 2023 and carried it to Broadway, where he earned Tony, Drama Desk, and Drama League Award nominations. He departs the production due to a previously announced professional commitment.

“It has been a literal dream come true to make my Broadway debut in Jamie’s Sunset Boulevard,” Francis said in a statement. “I’m gutted I won’t be there for the final performance on July 20, but I leave 44th Street and Shubert Alley in Pierre’s extremely talented hands.”

Francis's time in Sunset has marked a meteoric rise. In addition to his Olivier win, he received a Theatre World Award and the Clive Barnes Award for his Broadway debut—an emotional, nuanced portrayal that critics praised as “riveting” and “unexpectedly modern.”

Beginning Tuesday, July 8, Pierre Marais will assume the role of Joe Gillis through the show’s closing night on July 20. Marais, currently in the ensemble as Sammy and an understudy for Gillis, has become a standout presence in the cast and is poised to lead the final weeks of this sold-out revival.

Director Jamie Lloyd praised both actors in a statement: “It has been an honor to see Tom transform into a true Broadway leading man. He and Nicole [Scherzinger] have led this company with humor, compassion, and love. As we say happy trails to Tom, I’m thrilled Pierre will carry us to the finish.”

Sunset Boulevard, which opened in October 2024, was reimagined with Lloyd’s signature stark visual language and cinematic staging. It quickly became one of the most talked-about shows of the season. On Sunday, the production won three Tony Awards: Best Revival of a Musical, Best Actress in a Musical for Scherzinger, and Best Lighting Design of a Musical for Jack Knowles. It also received the Drama League Award for Distinguished Revival and Distinguished Performance for Scherzinger.

Set design and costumes are by Soutra Gilmour, with choreography by Fabian Aloise and music supervision by Alan Williams. The revival features lighting design by Knowles, sound by Adam Fisher, and video design by Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom. 101 Productions, Ltd. serves as General Manager.

Based on the classic 1950 Billy Wilder film, Sunset Boulevard features a score by Andrew Lloyd Webber with book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton. 

This production has been extended twice due to demand, with remaining performances at the St. James Theatre through July 20.

Tickets are available at www.sunsetblvdbroadway.com.