Nancy Meyers is set to return to directing with a new film scheduled for release on Christmas Day 2027. This project marks Meyers’ first directorial effort in over a decade, following her 2015 comedy "The Intern."
The film is being produced by Warner Bros after the studio acquired it in a turnaround from Netflix earlier this year. The move followed Netflix’s decision to cancel the project, which initially had a budget estimated between $130 million and $150 million.
Star-Studded Cast Ensemble
Penélope Cruz and Owen Wilson remain attached to the project, continuing their involvement from the Netflix iteration. Alongside them, Oscar-winning actor Kieran Culkin is confirmed, with Jude Law and Emma Mackey in negotiations to join the cast.
Cruz, acclaimed for her Best Supporting Actress Oscar in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona," brings a strong track record, including multiple Oscar nominations for "Volver," "Nine," and "Parallel Mothers." Her recent and upcoming works demonstrate her continued prominence in the industry.
Kieran Culkin gained international recognition after earning an Oscar, BAFTA, and Golden Globe for his role in "A Real Pain." He is also celebrated for his Emmy-winning performance in HBO’s "Succession." The actor’s diverse film credits include "Igby Goes Down" and Steven Soderbergh’s "No Sudden Move."
Jude Law, a Tony and Golden Globe nominee, holds two Oscar nominations for "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and "Cold Mountain." Law’s extensive career also features roles in "Sherlock Holmes" and the Netflix series "Black Rabbit."
Emma Mackey gained fame through Netflix’s "Sex Education" and portrayed Emily Brontë in the Warner Bros’ film "Emily." Her upcoming projects include A24’s "Peaked" and Greta Gerwig’s "Narnia" adaptation for Netflix.
Production and Budget Adjustments
Originally, Scarlett Johansson and Michael Fassbender were in talks to join the film’s cast at Netflix, but they left the project after the studio pulled out. The Warner Bros version reportedly is being made at a significantly reduced budget compared to the initial plan. Warner Bros expressed strong enthusiasm for the film after acquiring it two days following Netflix’s exit.
Nancy Meyers is both writer and director, with Ilona Herzberg producing alongside her. Diana Pokorny serves as an executive producer. The film’s logline and official title remain undisclosed, and previous plot rumors have been denied as inaccurate.
Release and Market Context
The film is positioned to premiere during the competitive holiday season with no other major wide releases on Christmas Day 2027. It will follow Warner Bros/New Line’s "The Hunt for Golum" and Disney/Marvel Studios’ "Avengers: Secret Wars," which both release earlier in December.
Owen Wilson, nominated for an Oscar for co-writing "The Royal Tenenbaums," remains a central figure. Known for "Meet the Parents" and its upcoming sequel, Wilson also appears in streaming hits like Apple TV’s "Stick" and Disney+/Marvel’s "Loki."
The film aims to leverage the combined star power of an award-winning cast and Nancy Meyers’ distinctive storytelling style. Warner Bros hopes the project will become a significant holiday draw and a return to form for Meyers after a lengthy directing hiatus.
Read more at: deadline.com
