James L. Brooks, the acclaimed Academy Award-winning writer and director, is set to transport audiences back to a cherished era of cinema with his upcoming film, ‘Ella McCay’. Scheduled for release on December 12, 2025, the film features a star-studded cast, including Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson, and Rebecca Hall. It tells the story of a 34-year-old woman, played by Mackey, who unexpectedly becomes the governor of her home state while grappling with complex family dynamics.
In a recent conversation with Collider’s Steve Weintraub, Brooks shared insights into the film’s narrative and its connection to the golden age of Hollywood. He emphasized the importance of creating a film filled with witty dialogue and relatable characters. “We wanted to honor those films that showcased wonderful, fast-talking, alive storytelling,” Brooks explained.
Mackey, known for her captivating performances, expressed her excitement about the project. “It was a thrill to read a script that was timely and of now, but infused with the levity and sharpness that is rare today,” she remarked. Her character’s journey reflects a blend of humor and depth, reminiscent of classic cinema.
Jamie Lee Curtis: A Legacy of the Scream Queen
As a celebrated figure in horror and drama, Jamie Lee Curtis brings her iconic status as a scream queen to the film. During the interview, Brooks revealed the challenges of directing Curtis in a role that requires her to embrace her screaming roots. “Her character was as reluctant as she is to scream, and possibly needed it as much,” he noted.
Mackey also shared her experience of working alongside Curtis, highlighting the unique dynamic they created. “It was very important to have that build-up over the whole course of the film,” Mackey said. “To just release it and see what happened with Jamie was a dream come true.”
Brooks, reflecting on the current state of the film industry, lamented the shift toward data-driven decision-making in Hollywood. “Studios used to take chances on films without the assurance of success,” he stated. “Now, computers can predict outcomes, but that doesn’t account for the creative spirit behind storytelling.”
Future Projects and Ambitions
In addition to her role in ‘Ella McCay’, Mackey is set to appear in Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Narnia as the White Witch and in J.J. Abrams’ project, ‘Ghostwriter’, alongside Glen Powell and Jenna Ortega. Although Mackey remained tight-lipped about details, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with such talented individuals.
As the release date approaches, both Brooks and Mackey are keen to share their vision with audiences. The film aims to blend humor with poignant storytelling, capturing the essence of a bygone era while remaining relevant to contemporary viewers.
With an enthusiastic cast and a passionate director at the helm, ‘Ella McCay’ promises to be a refreshing addition to the cinematic landscape, inviting audiences to revisit the charm of classic Hollywood.
