Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground has enlisted Julianne Moore for a new Netflix comedy drama.
Moore has officially signed on to star in and executive-produce a currently untitled multi-generational comedy film backed by the Obamas’ production company.
The project comes as Higher Ground prepares to go independent after its first-look deal with Netflix ends later this year.
Meanwhile, the former president recently stood in solidarity with late-night host Stephen Colbert while appearing to take a subtle swipe at Donald Trump.
Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company has tapped Julianne Moore to executive-produce and star in a new Netflix comedy movie, according to Variety.
The film, described as an ensemble piece in the spirit of “Crazy, Stupid, Love,” tackles the chaotic lengths a parent will go to in order to avoid an empty nest.
According to the outlet, the plot centers on a mother, played by Moore, who spirals when her daughter lands a major job promotion that would require her to move across the country.
Desperate to keep her child close to home, Moore’s character kicks into overdrive, concocting a frantic scheme to find her daughter the “perfect” local romantic partner and convince her to stay.
Higher Ground’s Netflix Comedy Begins Casting
According to sources close to the production, the script features four major leading roles. With Moore firmly locked in as the maternal lead, casting is underway for the daughter, the unsuspecting romantic target, and the rest of the ensemble.
The script comes from Maggie Sheridan, who is known for her work as an executive story editor on Apple and Universal Television’s “Loot,” led by Maya Rudolph.
The film is the latest high-profile project to emerge from Higher Ground’s exclusive, multi-year first-look deal with Netflix.
Anikah McLaren is set to produce the project for Higher Ground, while Moore will serve as executive producer.
Michelle And Barack Obama’s Higher Ground Prepares To Go Independent
Higher Ground Productions will reportedly go independent after its first-look deal with Netflix ends later this year, according to Deadline.
The Obamas’ production company has enjoyed a moderately successful partnership with the streaming giant over the years, releasing acclaimed projects like “American Factory” and the feature “Rustin,” which earned actor Colman Domingo an Oscar nomination.
During a recent appearance on a special edition of “HistoryTalks,” Barack noted that one of the main reasons for going independent was to expand Higher Ground’s reach and work with other studios.
He explained that the move is in line with the company’s mission to tell stories that help the country “look at itself and excavate those better angels of our nature.”
“We’re in a process now of transitioning to a more independent [future] where we can work with a bunch of different studios,” Obama added.
Barack Obama Praises Higher Ground’s Netflix Partnership
Although Higher Ground is set to go independent, the company will reportedly still work with Netflix to wrap up existing projects.
The Obamas’ production company also appears to have been laying the groundwork for its independent future, as reports suggest it has been testing a “selling-to-everyone” model for some time.
That includes projects at HBO, Apple, Amazon, FX, Disney, 20th Century Studios, and even YouTube, among others, while continuing to develop and produce content for Netflix.
Some of the projects in development elsewhere include a half-hour sketch comedy series titled “Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness” for HBO, which is slated for a summer 2026 premiere.
Speaking about the partnership over the last eight years, Obama acknowledged that it has been a wonderful ride, according to Deadline.
Barack Obama Shades Trump While Praising Colbert
Barack recently took to Instagram to celebrate Stephen Colbert’s impact on American television and entertainment amid his controversial firing from CBS.
He thanked the comedian for “making us laugh” and, “even more importantly,” for communicating what true American values are while reminding Americans what the country stands for.
“For more than a decade, Stephen Colbert has been one of the top voices of late night,” the 44th president wrote in the caption, adding with a touch of humor that “Michelle and I enjoyed being Stephen’s guests—even when the games were rigged—and we’re grateful to call him a friend.”
In the run-up to the final taping, Barack appeared on the show earlier this month, where he made a subtle swipe at Donald Trump, saying Colbert would perform better as president than “some folks that we’ve seen.”
