It looks like Emma Stone is gearing up for a return to romantic comedy in a big way. After several years focusing on more dramatic, auteur-driven projects, she’s reportedly set to headline a new Universal Pictures film titled The Catch – and it already sounds like one to watch.
Even more exciting is the potential pairing. Chris Pine is in talks to star opposite Stone, which would mark their first time sharing the screen. On paper, it feels like a perfect match: Stone’s sharp comedic timing and effortless charisma paired with Pine’s laid-back charm could make for the kind of on-screen chemistry that defines great rom-coms.
The film will be directed by Dave McCary, Stone’s husband, making the project a creative collaboration as well as a professional one. McCary, best known for his work on Saturday Night Live and his feature debut Brigsby Bear, has steadily built a reputation for character-driven storytelling. With Stone not only starring but also producing through her Fruit Tree banner alongside McCary, it’s clear this is a project she’s personally invested in.
Plot details are still being kept under wraps, but the screenplay – written by Patrick Kang and Michael Levin – is described as a “two-hander,” meaning the story will focus primarily on the dynamic between its two leads. That structure makes the casting of Stone and Pine even more crucial, putting their performances and chemistry front and centre.
With production reportedly eyeing a start later this year, The Catch feels like it could be a refreshing addition to the romantic comedy landscape. If everything comes together, this might be the kind of smart, star-driven rom-com audiences have been waiting for.
