Ella McCay

Last updated
Ella McCay
Ella McCay poster.jpg
Theatrical release poster
Directed by James L. Brooks
Written byJames L. Brooks
Produced by
Starring
Cinematography Robert Elswit
Edited byTracey Wadmore-Smith
Music by Hans Zimmer
Production
company
Distributed by 20th Century Studios
Release date
  • December 12, 2025 (2025-12-12)
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Ella McCay is an upcoming American political comedy drama film written and directed by James L. Brooks. The film stars Emma Mackey as the title character, with Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Lowden, Kumail Nanjiani, Ayo Edebiri, Julie Kavner, Spike Fearn, Rebecca Hall, Albert Brooks, and Woody Harrelson in supporting roles.

Contents

Ella McCay is scheduled to be released in the United States by 20th Century Studios on December 12, 2025.

Premise

Set in an unnamed state, [1] an idealistic 34-year-old lieutenant governor juggles familial issues and a challenging work life while preparing to take over the job of her mentor, the state’s longtime incumbent governor, who suddenly accepts a cabinet position in the incoming Obama administration. [2] [3] [4]

Cast

Production

In November 2023, it was announced that James L. Brooks was set to write and direct his first film in thirteen years, with 20th Century Studios set as the distributor and Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson, Ayo Edebiri, Albert Brooks, Kumail Nanjiani and Spike Fearn set to star. [9] In February 2024, Jack Lowden and Rebecca Hall joined the cast. [10] [11]

Principal photography began in Rhode Island on February 1, 2024. [12] [13] Filming was announced as wrapped on May 3, [14] but as of January 2025, more scenes were planned to be shot in Rhode Island in March. [15] It was also expected to shoot in Cleveland and New Orleans that same month. [16] [17] In March 2025, Julie Kavner, Becky Ann Baker and Joey Brooks were revealed to be part of the cast. [18]

Music

Hans Zimmer will provide the film's score, marking his fifth collaboration with James L. Brooks. [19]

Release

Ella McCay is scheduled to be released in the United States on December 12, 2025. It was previously scheduled to release on September 19, 2025. [20]

References

  1. ↑ Anderson, Patrick (June 19, 2024). "Voters axed Plantations from RI's name. Now, it will mostly vanish from the State House". The Providence Journal. Retrieved September 17, 2025.
  2. ↑ "20th Century Studios Shares a First Look at 'Ella McCay' from Disney Legend James L. Brooks". The Walt Disney Company. 2025-08-04. Retrieved 2025-10-09.
  3. ↑ "Emma Mackey Gives Us an Inside Look Into 'Ella McCay'". Fandango. 10 April 2025. Retrieved 30 October 2025– via Youtube.
  4. ↑ "Jamie Lee Curtis Jokes About 'Selling Yogurt That Makes You S**t' for Years (Exclusive)". Entertainment Tonight. 6 April 2025. Retrieved 30 October 2025– via Youtube.
  5. 1 2 "The Walt Disney Studios: All Access Pages". Getty Images. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  6. ↑ "The Walt Disney Studios: All Access Pages". Getty Images. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  7. ↑ "The Walt Disney Studios: All Access Pages". Getty Images. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  8. ↑ "The Walt Disney Studios: All Access Pages". Getty Images. Retrieved 4 August 2025.
  9. ↑ Kroll, Justin (November 20, 2023). "James L. Brooks New Film Ella McCay Sets All-Star Ensemble That Includes Emma Mackey, Woody Harrelson, Jamie Lee Curtis And Albert Brooks As 20th Century Boards Project". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  10. ↑ Kroll, Justin (February 7, 2024). "Slow Horses Star Jack Lowden Joins James L. Brooks Next Film Ella McCay". Deadline Hollywood . Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  11. ↑ Kroll, Justin (February 20, 2024). "Rebecca Hall Joins James L. Brooks Next Film 'Ella McCay' For 20th Century". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  12. ↑ Parker, Paul Edward (September 13, 2025). ""Ella McCay" film locations around Rhode Island: Take a look". The Providence Journal. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
  13. ↑ Fitzpatrick, Edward (February 1, 2024). "In R.I. to film a movie, Jamie Lee Curtis tells California: 'This is how you do it'". The Boston Globe . Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  14. ↑ "'And that's a wrap!' Filming of 'Ella McCay' concludes Friday evening". The Providence Journal . May 3, 2024. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  15. ↑ Parker, Paul Edward (January 5, 2025). "'Ella McCay' movie to return to Providence for more filming in March". The Providence Journal. Retrieved January 6, 2025.
  16. ↑ "Tax Credits Awarded for 8 Ohio Film Productions". The Business Journal. August 2, 2023. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  17. ↑ "Productions". Film New Orleans. Archived from the original on February 16, 2025. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
  18. ↑ Gardener, Chris (March 31, 2025). "James L. Brooks Set to Receive CinemaCon Award Ahead of Release of New Film 'Ella McCay'". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved March 31, 2025.
  19. ↑ "Hans Zimmer Scoring James L. Brooks' 'Ella McCay'". Film Music Reporter. October 21, 2025. Retrieved October 21, 2025.
  20. ↑ Lang, Brent (April 25, 2025). "James L. Brooks' 'Ella McCay' Bumped to December Release Date". Variety . Retrieved April 25, 2025.
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