Ella McCay First Look From 20th Century Studios

20th Century Studios has shared a first look at the new comedy Ella McCay, which is scheduled to open exclusively in theaters on December 12, 2025. The film has not yet been rated by the Motion Picture Association (MPA).

Ella McCay is written and directed by Oscar and Emmy Award winner James L. Brooks (As Good as It Gets, Terms of Endearment, Broadcast News, The Simpsons).

In the film, an idealistic young woman juggles her family and work life in a comedy about the people you love and how to survive them.

Ella McCay features an all-star cast including Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Lowden, Kumail Nanjiani, Ayo Edebiri, Spike Fearn, Rebecca Hall, Julie Kavner, Becky Ann Baker, and Joey Brooks, with Albert Brooks and Woody Harrelson.

The film is produced by James L. Brooks, p.g.a., Richard Sakai, p.g.a., Julie Ansell, p.g.a., and Jennifer Brooks.

Principal photography for Ella McCay began in Rhode Island in February 2024, and filming wrapped in May of that year. Additional filming for the movie took place earlier this year.

When the movie was announced, 20th Century Studios said: “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.”

James L. Brooks last directed the feature film How Do You Know, which was released in 2010 and starred Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson, Paul Rudd, and Jack Nicholson in his final film role.