Mumbai, April 8: After dominating 2023 with back-to-back hits, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will be taking a break from the big screen in 2024. However, preparations are already in full swing for his much-anticipated film King, which is slated for release in late 2026.

Although the shooting has yet to begin, King has been in the works for over a year. The film will also mark the theatrical debut of Shah Rukh’s daughter, Suhana Khan, while Abhishek Bachchan will appear in a terrifying villainous role.

Adding to the excitement, Deepika Padukone has officially joined the cast. According to a report by PipingMoon, Deepika has been locked in for an extended cameo. She is set to play Suhana Khan’s mother and possibly Shah Rukh Khan’s ex-girlfriend in the movie, which has been described as a revenge-based action thriller.

Both Shah Rukh Khan and director Siddharth Anand reportedly pushed for Deepika’s inclusion in the film. While she won’t have a full-length role, her character is expected to have significant influence on the plot. King will be produced jointly by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Productions.

This marks the sixth collaboration between Shah Rukh and Deepika, following hits like Om Shanti Om, Chennai Express, Happy New Year, Pathaan, and Jawan. Their on-screen chemistry continues to draw fans, and their reunion in King is highly anticipated.

Interestingly, King is said to be inspired by the 2000 action thriller Scorpion, though it is not a direct remake. Reports suggest that the story will revolve around revenge, with Shah Rukh Khan’s character seeking justice for Suhana.

Originally, the film had considered naming Suhana’s parents as characters played by Saif Ali Khan and Tabu, but that idea was later scrapped.

Production for King is expected to begin next month.