Show summary Hide summary
Andrew Rannells stars alongside Academy Award winner Allison Janney in ‘Miss You, Love You,’ a new HBO original drama film premiering May 29, 2026 on HBO Max. Directed and written by Academy Award winner Jim Rash, the film marks his solo directing debut and explores the unexpected friendship forged between two strangers forced to navigate grief together while planning a funeral.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Premiere date: May 29, 2026 on HBO and HBO Max
- Director: Jim Rash, Academy Award-winning writer making his solo directing debut
- Cast leads: Allison Janney as Diane Patterson, Andrew Rannells as Jamie Simms
- Supporting cast: Bonnie Hunt, Oscar Nuñez, Suzy Nakamura
- 2026 recognition: Allison Janney nominated for Gotham TV Award for Outstanding Performance in an Original Film
The Story Behind the Film
Written with emotional precision, ‘Miss You, Love You’ follows Diane Patterson, a blunt and grieving widow unexpectedly forced to plan her husband’s funeral with a total stranger. That stranger is Jamie Simms, her estranged son’s assistant. The premise, while seemingly straightforward, becomes a profound exploration of how two people bound by loss navigate resentment, vulnerability, and the possibility of genuine human connection.
Jim Rash drew inspiration for the screenplay from a deeply personal source: his sister brought her assistant to help during a family funeral planning. That moment of vulnerability between two people from different worlds sparked the creative vision for this intimate drama. The resulting film balances humor and heartbreak, showing how grief often brings together the most unlikely pairs.
Andrew Rannells stars in ‘Miss You, Love You’ on HBO Max May 29 with Allison Janney
Jonathan finishes as runner-up in Survivor 50, falls short to Aubry 8-3
Andrew Rannells: From Broadway Icon to Film Lead
Andrew Rannells, born August 23, 1978, has built a remarkable career spanning Broadway, television, and film. He is best known for originating the iconic role of Elder Kevin Price in Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s groundbreaking musical ‘The Book of Mormon,’ which earned him a Tony Award nomination. This May, he returns to Broadway for a special guest run from June 9-14, 2026, to reprise that legendary role. His career also includes notable television appearances in ‘Girls,’ ‘The New Normal,’ and film roles in ‘The Prom’ (2020) and ‘A Simple Favor’ (2018). In ‘Miss You, Love You,’ Rannells delivers what critics describe as a beautifully calibrated performance, bringing warmth and authenticity to Jamie Simms.
During production, Rannells and Janney demonstrated remarkable chemistry, filming 13 pages of dialogue without stopping in one powerful scene—a testament to their commitment to capturing raw human emotion. This technical achievement reflects the intimate nature of their on-screen dynamic and the film’s focus on deeply personal moments.
Allison Janney’s Awards Momentum
Allison Janney, a seven-time Emmy Award winner, brings extraordinary depth to the role of Diane in this HBO original. Her performance has already generated recognition: she earned a 2026 Gotham TV Award nomination for Outstanding Performance in an Original Film, underscoring her relevance in the streaming television landscape. Beyond this film, Janney is contending for multiple awards at the 2026 Emmy Awards, where she faces competition in comedy supporting actress categories, demonstrating her sustained influence across television genres.
Janney’s casting as Diane—a widow navigating the raw emotions of funeral planning—showcases her ability to shift between sharp wit and profound vulnerability. Her filmography spans ‘Mom,’ ‘Hacks,’ and ‘The Diplomat,’ but this intimate portrayal of grief marks a significant moment in her career. The film explores how her character’s defensiveness masks deep pain, a nuance that only an actor of Janney’s caliber could execute with such authenticity.
Jim Rash’s Directorial Vision
| Creator Detail | Information |
| Name | Jim Rash |
| Professional Status | Academy Award-winning screenwriter |
| Solo Directorial Debut | ‘Miss You, Love You’ (2026) |
| Production Journey | Finished post-production February 2026 |
| Production Company | Madison Wells; producers: Kevin Walsh, Nat Faxon, Gigi Pritzker, Rachel Shane |
| Premiere Venue | Secret screening at Sundance Film Festival before HBO acquisition |
Jim Rash transitioned from an acclaimed screenwriter to director with this feature. His Academy Award win for screenwriting demonstrates the depth of his storytelling ability, and his transition to the director’s chair represents a natural evolution of his creative vision. By writing and directing ‘Miss You, Love You,’ Rash maintains complete artistic control over the film’s emotional trajectory. The intimate scale of the production—focusing on two leads navigating dialogue-heavy scenes—reflects Rash’s understanding that the most powerful stories often emerge from character depth rather than visual spectacle.
“At its center, Allison Janney and Andrew Rannells deliver beautifully calibrated performances as Diane and Jamie, two people bound by loss, navigating her state of mind following her husband’s death and both of their relationships with Diane’s estranged son in the days that follow.”
— According to official HBO and industry sources describing the film’s central dynamic
Supporting Cast and Full Creative Team
The ensemble includes Bonnie Hunt, known for her comedic timing, alongside Oscar Nuñez and Suzy Nakamura, who round out the supporting cast with memorable performances. The production benefited from experienced producers including Nat Faxon (known for film production work) and Rachel Shane, ensuring professional oversight throughout the filming process. This combination of seasoned television and film talent creates a balanced production that respects both intimate character work and wider narrative scope.
The film’s positioning at the intersection of streaming television and prestige cinema—premiering on HBO Max but receiving theatrical recognition through award submissions—reflects changing industry dynamics. ‘Miss You, Love You’ demonstrates how major streaming platforms now compete directly with traditional film festivals and theatrical releases for critical acclaim and awards consideration.
What to Expect on May 29
Viewers tuning in to HBO Max on May 29, 2026, will encounter a character-driven drama that prioritizes emotional authenticity over plot mechanics. The film operates in the tradition of contemporary American indies that have found critical success on streaming platforms—intimate in scale but universal in its exploration of human connection. Rannells’ chemistry with Janney creates the film’s emotional core, while the supporting cast ensures that secondary relationships feel grounded and real. The dialogue-heavy approach, evidenced by their 13-page unbroken scene, suggests that viewers should expect nuanced conversation and vulnerability rather than action-driven sequences.
Given Allison Janney’s current awards momentum and the Gotham TV Award nomination, the HBO television film category represents a significant competitive field for May 2026. The film’s timing—premiering just as award season heats up for consideration in 2026-2027 awards cycles—positions it strategically within the industry calendar. For those following Andrew Rannells’ evolving career beyond Broadway, this film represents a significant dramatic role in a prestige production.
Will This Mark a Shift in Rannells’ Career Direction?
Andrew Rannells’ recent project selections suggest an intentional diversification. While maintaining his Broadway connection through periodic returns, his involvement in ‘Miss You, Love You’ alongside an award-winning director and Emmy-winning co-star indicates his pursuit of more dramatic, character-focused roles. His earlier work in ‘The Prom’ demonstrated comfort with comedic material, while television appearances showcased his range. This HBO film may signal a deliberate shift toward prestige dramatic work. Combined with his June 2026 Broadway return and ongoing television projects like ‘Deli Boys’ Season 2, Rannells appears to be building a multifaceted career that spans multiple platforms and genres.
Sources
- HBO Official Press Release (April 22, 2026) — HBO’s official announcement of the film’s cast and May 29 premiere date
- People magazine — Exclusive coverage of the official trailer and cast insights
- Deadline — Trade coverage of the film’s HBO acquisition and creative team
- Wikipedia — Andrew Rannells filmography and career history; Allison Janney awards and nominations record
- Playbill — Broadway career documentation and related stage appearances
- IMDb — Complete cast list and production credits
