Cameron Diaz and Stephen Merchant are set to star in an upcoming romantic comedy from Amazon MGM Studios, with Merchant directing from a script co-written with John Butler. The film, currently untitled, follows a workaholic British man (Merchant) employed at a luxury New York hotel who needs a wife for appearances. He strikes a deal with a struggling stand-up comic (Diaz) desperate for health insurance. Their fake marriage begins as a transaction but develops into an unexpected romance.
Producers include Lee Eisenberg, Merchant, and Point Grey Pictures’ Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, James Weaver, and Josh Fagen. Natalie Sandy will serve as executive producer. The project marks a reunion for Point Grey and Amazon MGM, which previously collaborated on The Boys, Gen V, and Invincible.
Eisenberg, known for his work on The Office and Jury Duty, previously wrote and produced Diaz’s comedy Bad Teacher. Merchant, an Emmy-, BAFTA-, and Golden Globe-winning writer and director, co-created The Office and Extras with Ricky Gervais and directed Fighting With My Family.
Diaz, whose credits include The Mask, There’s Something About Mary, and Charlie’s Angels, returns to the rom-com genre after a hiatus. She will next appear in Outcome with Keanu Reeves and Shrek 5 in 2027. Casting and release details are yet to be announced.
