Ella McCay

An idealistic young politician juggles familial issues and a challenging work life while preparing to take over the job of her mentor, the state’s longtime incumbent governor.

• Emma Mackey as Ella McCay
• Woody Harrelson
• Jamie Lee Curtis
• Kumail Nanjiani
• Spike Fearn
• Ayo Edebiri as Michelle
• Albert Brooks
• Jack Lowden
• Rebecca Hall
• Julie Kavner
• Becky Ann Baker
• Joey Brooks
• Troy Garity
• Erica McDermott
• Sheetal Sheth

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. Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson, Ayo Edebiri, Albert Brooks, Kumail Nanjiani and Spike Fearn set to star.^[1] In February 2024, Jack Lowden and Rebecca Hall joined the cast.^[2][3]

Principal photography began in Rhode Island on February 1, 2024.^[4] Filming was announced as wrapped on May 3,^[5] but as of January 2025, more scenes were planned to be shot in Rhode Island in March.^[6] It was also expected to shoot in Cleveland and New Orleans that same month.^[7][8] In March 2025, Julie Kavner, Becky Ann Baker and Joey Brooks were revealed to be part of the cast.^[9]

Ella McCay is scheduled to be released in the United States on December 12, 2025.^[10] It was previously scheduled to release on September 19, 2025 but was delayed to its current date for unknown reasons.^[11]