The romcom revival continues! In a year that has seen the release of Marry Me, I Want You Back, and The Lost City, and still has big titles such as Trouble In Paradise coming soon, the 90s romcom queen has now joined the party.
Meg Ryan has signed on to direct and star in What Happens Later alongside David Duchovny.
The project is being described as “an evolved and nostalgic take” on the genre, and revolves around a couple that meets by chance for the first time decades after splitting up. Stranded in an airport for a night, they go over what could have been of their relationship if they had stayed together.
The film will be based on Steven Dietz‘s stage play Shooting Star, with Dietz adapting his own story for the screen and co-writing the script alongside Ryan and fellow playwright Kirk Lynn. Bleecker Street and HanWay Films will produce the project.
Ryan’s has only previously directed one film – 2015 drama Ithaca, which she also starred in alongside Sam Shepard. But this isn’t the only directing gig she has in the works, as a few months ago she signed on to helm an adaptation of Sally Franson‘s novel A Lady’s Guide To Selling Out. Having not been seen much since 2015, Ryan is most certainly making a comeback.
Ryan is best known for her great 90s run as the romcom queen of America, starring in When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless In Seattle, You’ve Got Mail, and more. Both of these projects are her chance to craft her own piece of the genre and remind audiences why she was so successful at it during her heyday. She’s got a handy co-star in Duchovny, who also had his most successful run in the 90s.
Producers Jonathan Duffy and Kelly Williams (Sorry To Bother You), Laura D. Smith (It Follows), and Kristin Mann (The Quarry) said in a statement:
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have the incredible teams at Bleecker Street and HanWay alongside us as we bring this special story to the screen. We believe it’s a look at life and love that audiences the world over will relate to and hunger for in these uncertain times when connection and reconciliation feel more important than ever.”
HanWay Films MD Gabrielle Stewart added: “It is exciting to have Meg Ryan bring the weight of her experience in the genre to the director’s chair and to matchmake her with such a wonderful sparring partner in David Duchovny. This is exactly what audiences everywhere are looking for and HanWay is thrilled to be partnering once again with our friends at Bleecker Street.”
As mentioned, this might be a key year in the revival of the romantic comedy, which was a multiplex staple for decades. Later this year we’ve still got George Clooney and Julia Roberts starring in Trouble In Paradise later, Pete Davidson and Kaley Cuoco together in Meet Cute, Billy Eichner directing and starring in gay romcom Bros, and Henry Cavill leading The Rosie Project.
We’ll see if any of those capture audiences’ hearts the way Ryan’s best films did in the 90s. If not, she’s back to hopefully breathe new life in the genre just as she did over 30 years ago.
#Peace.Love.WhatHappensLater
