Meg Ryan to Direct and Star With David Duchovny in Romantic-Comedy What Happens Later

Actress Meg Ryan will direct and act alongside David Duchovny in an upcoming film called What Happens Later, Variety reports. The project is described as an “evolved and nostalgic” take on the romantic comedy.

What Happens Later is based on the play Shooting Star, which was created by playwright Steven Dietz. Additionally, he wrote the movie adaptation’s screenplay along with Ryan and playwright and novelist Kirk Lynn. Bleeker Street has gained the American rights to the upcoming title. The film has an expected release date in 2023. HanWay Films, a London-based sales agent will take over the international distribution. Sales will begin at the Cannes Film Festival later this month. Production will start at some point later this year in Bentonville, Arkansas.

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The project is produced by Independent Spirit Award winners Jonathan Duffy and Kelly Williams (“Sorry to Bother You,” “I Used to Go Here”) through their Ten Acre Films, Independent Spirit Award nominee Laura D. Smith (“I’ll See You In My Dreams”), and Kristin Mann (“The Quarry”). Kerri Elder and Blake Elder of Rockhill Studios will be executive producers, as well as Bleecker Street’s Andrew Karpen and Kent Sanderson.

The film’s logline states:

“What if late one snowy night you came face to face with someone from your long ago? Someone who once held your secrets, because once, long ago, that person held your heart.”

A synopsis for the movie explains:

“The movie follows ex-lovers Willa (Ryan) and Bill (Duchovny) who are reunited for the first time since their split decades prior when they both find themselves snowed in, in-transit, at an airport overnight. Willa is still the wilful, independent spirit she once was, free of any ties, while the recently separated Bill is reassessing his life and his relationships with his estranged wife and daughter. All each of them wants is to get home but over the course of the night they find themselves at first reluctantly drawn together yet compelled to revisit their past, along with what could have been and what might well be again. But when the versions of their shared history don’t quite add up, where do they go from there?”

What Happens Later Will Mark Meg Ryan’s Second Time in the Director’s Chair

What Happens Later will mark Meg Ryan’s second time in the director’s chair. Previously, she directed and acted in the 2015 drama Ithica. Additional stars for that project included the late Sam Shephard and Alex Neustaedter. Meg Ryan is widely regarded as one of the best rom-com actresses of all time. Some classics she starred in include Joe Versus the Volcano, Sleepless in Seattle, French Kiss, You’ve Got Mail, and Kate & Leopold.

The crew is excited to be working on What Happens Later. Producers for the motion picture said:

“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.”

Andrew Karpen, the CEO of Bleeker Street explained:

“To be part of this team, bringing such a popular play to the big screen is a genuine privilege. We are beyond fortunate that the project is in the hands of one of the most gifted romantic comedy actors of her generation. Combined with the talent of her co-stars and producers, we are honored to be on this journey and look forward to sharing the experience with audiences next year.”

Meg Ryan is repped by The Gersh Agency, Anonymous Content, and Grubman Shire Meiselas & Sacks, P.C. Duchovny is represented by Mosaic and Nelson Davis LLP. Production is represented by Ramo Law P.C.

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