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Emma Stone is returning to romantic comedies in a major way. The award-winning actress will star opposite Chris Pine in Universal Pictures‘ original romantic comedy The Catch, set to premiere on May 21, 2027. Both stars have officially closed their deals for the film.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Release Date: May 21, 2027 in theaters
- Director: Dave McCary, Emma Stone’s husband, directing his first major studio film
- Filming Schedule: Production runs June through October 2026 in New York and Washington State
- Stone’s Return: Her first rom-com lead since 2011’s Easy A, nearly 16 years ago
A Powerhouse Pairing for 2027
Emma Stone and Chris Pine bring serious star power to Universal’s slate. Stone won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2017 for Poor Things, while Pine earned acclaim for his work in the Star Trek franchise and Wonder Woman films. The announcement arrived just 3 days ago, creating immediate buzz across entertainment circles. Universal is banking on this combination to deliver box office appeal and critical credibility.
The pairing marks a strategic move for both actors. Stone has spent recent years in premium dramatic projects, while Pine continues building his portfolio of diverse roles. Their chemistry on screen could define the film’s commercial success.
Emma Stone to star opposite Chris Pine in rom-com ‘The Catch,’ set for May 2027 release
Disclosure Day star Josh O’Connor reveals his character’s secret special talents
Dave McCary Takes the Director’s Chair
Dave McCary, who is married to Emma Stone, will direct the film. McCary brings extensive experience from his work on Saturday Night Live, where he spent 5 seasons creating sketches and earning 3 Emmy nominations. He previously directed Brigsby Bear and Good Neighbor productions. This marks his first major studio romantic comedy, giving the project an interesting personal dimension.
The script comes from Patrick Kang and Michael Levin, with polish work by Jen Statsky, who co-created the acclaimed HBO series Hacks. Production details reveal Shawn Levy and Dan Levine of 21 Laps Entertainment handling producing duties alongside Michael H Weber.
Production Timeline and Locations
The production schedule shows filming will take place over 5 months, starting in June 2026 and wrapping by October 2026. Locations include both New York and Washington State, suggesting a story that spans both coasts. The tight 8-month post-production window before release indicates a focused post-production schedule.
| Detail | Information |
| Release Date | May 21, 2027 |
| Platform | Theatrical Release |
| Cast | Emma Stone, Chris Pine |
| Director | Dave McCary |
“Chris Pine and Emma Stone are officially set to lead The Catch, a two-hander rom-com directed by Dave McCary.”
— IMDb News Report
Emma Stone’s Romantic Comedy Return After 16 Years
The announcement signals Emma Stone‘s major return to the romantic comedy genre. Her previous rom-com lead was Easy A in 2010, making this her first leading role in the genre since. Stone has since shifted toward prestige dramas, earning her Academy Award win, Golden Globes, and international acclaim. The Catch represents a conscious pivot back toward lighter, ensemble-driven storytelling after her run of serious dramatic work.
This strategic move could appeal to audiences craving both her star power and the romantic comedy format itself. The timing also positions her against a renewed wave of studio interest in the rom-com genre. Will this film prove her staying power in comedy hasn’t diminished?
Sources
- Deadline Hollywood – Universal dates rom-com with Emma Stone and Chris Pine for May 2027
- The Cinemaholic – Production updates on filming locations and timeline
- IMDB News – Official cast confirmations and director details











