James L. Brooks Gathers Cast for New Film ‘Ella McCay’

The legendary director and producer is putting the people in place to make his first film for 13 years.

(Far Left) James L. Brooks. (Center Left) Emma Mackey in Netflix's 'Sex Education.' (Center Right) Oscar® nominee Jamie Lee Curtis arrives on the red carpet of the 95th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023. (Far Right) (L to R) Woody Harrelson as Marcus in director Bobby Farrelly's 'Champions,' a Focus Features release. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features.

Preview:

James L. Brooks is working on a new movie, dramedy ‘Ella McCay’.
Albert Brooks, Jamie Lee Curtis and Ayo Edebiri are among the cast.
The film will follow a young politician juggling family and work issues.

It has been 13 years since James L. Brooks directed a film –– that would be 2010’s ‘How Do You Know’ –– but since then, he has kept busy producing movies and TV series by other people, including ‘The Edge of Seventeen’, and ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.’, not to mention his continued association with ‘The Simpsons’.

You can imagine, then, the excitement at the news that Brooks is gearing up to get back behind the camera himself, and he’s gathering an exciting, eclectic cast for the new project, titled ‘Ella McCay’.

What’s the story of James L. Brooks’ new film?

Director, producer, and screenwriter James L. Brooks.

According to Deadline, the new movie, ‘Ella McCay’ follows an idealistic young politician who 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 is in line to star in James L. Brooks’ new film?

Ayo Edebiri from 'The Bear.' Photo courtesy of FX.

The cast Brooks has in negotiations includes the likes of Albert Brooks (quite the force in writing and directing himself, along with his acting career), Jamie Lee Curtis, ‘Sex Education’s Emma Mackey (who appears likely to star in this one), Woody Harrelson, ‘The Bear’ breakout Ayo Edebiri, and Spike Fearn, most recently seen in ‘Aftersun’ and ‘The Batman’.

That’s quite the ensemble, blending rising stars with established talents, and could be the most anticipated cast for the director for some time.

James L. Brooks’ new movie: the studio speaks

Director, producer, and screenwriter James L. Brooks.

20th Century Studios, which has produced a lot of Brooks’ previous work, has jumped at the chance to be back in business with him.

Here’s what 20th Century Studios president Steve Asbell had to say about the new movie:

“As one of the most empathetic dramatists of our time, James Brooks has set the bar across film and television for decades. From ‘Broadcast News’ to ‘The Simpsons,’ Jim is also a foundational element in the bedrock of 20th, and we couldn’t be more proud to support him in his long awaited return to the director’s chair.”

When will James L. Brooks’ new film be in theaters?

Since this one hasn’t even started shooting yet, there is no word of a release date. But depending on when production kicks off, it could be in theaters later next year or in 2025.

Jamie Lee Curtis poses backstage with the Oscar® for Actress in a Supporting Role during the live ABC telecast of the 95th Oscars® at Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 12, 2023.