Emma Stone's husband, Dave McCary, is poised to direct the Oscar-winning actress in a new Universal Pictures romantic comedy titled The Catch. According to industry reports, this project is likely to be the next film that Stone shoots, marking a notable return to the comedy genre for the acclaimed performer.
Chris Pine Secures Leading Role After Multiple Meetings
On Thursday, Deadline revealed that the 37-year-old Squarespace brand ambassador had courted several stars for the role of her leading man. After multiple meetings, Chris Pine, the 45-year-old Star Trek heartthrob, ultimately landed the part. This casting sets up an intriguing dynamic, as McCary, a 40-year-old SNL staffer, will be orchestrating love scenes between his wife and Pine.
A Married Couple's Professional Collaboration
The couple, who have been married for six years, met in 2016 when Stone hosted Saturday Night Live. They co-founded their production company, Fruit Tree, with Ali Herting in 2020. Despite the potential awkwardness of directing intimate scenes, their long-standing relationship suggests a strong professional partnership. On March 13, Stone and McCary will celebrate their daughter Louise Jean's fifth birthday, highlighting their close family ties.
Behind the Scenes of 'The Catch'
The script for The Catch was penned by producer-writers Patrick Kang and Michael Levin, known for their work on The Paper. The mysterious flick will also be overseen by Stranger Things producer Shawn Levy. For McCary, this film represents his second directorial feature, following the 2017 Kyle Mooney dramedy Brigsby Bear, which earned critical acclaim but only grossed $681,632 at the box office and is now streaming on Netflix.
Stone's Recent Dramatic Roles and Awards Season
This project comes after Stone has focused on serious dramatic roles in recent years, such as her portrayal of big-pharma CEO Michelle Fuller in Yorgos Lanthimos's $55 million-budget thriller Bugonia. That film only earned $42.3 million at the box office, and Stone notably shaved her head for the role, following in the footsteps of actresses like Sigourney Weaver and Natalie Portman.
Currently, Stone is nominated for two Oscars at the 98th Academy Awards, airing March 15 on ABC/Hulu: Best Actress in a Leading Role and Best Picture. She is also up for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role at the 32nd Actor Awards, airing this Sunday on Netflix. However, she faces stiff competition from Jessie Buckley, who is on an impressive winning streak after taking home the Critics' Choice Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA.
Stone's Comedy Roots and Future Projects
Before her dramatic turn, the Louis Vuitton brand ambassador built her career in popcorn comedies, including Superbad (2007), The Rocker (2008), The House Bunny (2008), Zombieland (2009), Easy A (2010), Friends with Benefits (2011), and Crazy Stupid Love (2011). The Catch signals a return to these comedic origins.
Additionally, Stone is developing a Miss Piggy movie with Jennifer Lawrence and producing Jesse Eisenberg's untitled A24 musical comedy. First, she competes for the Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures at the 37th PGA Awards, held this Saturday at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.
