In an exciting development in the entertainment world, Cristin Milioti is stepping into a new project alongside Glen Powell in a fresh comedy directed by none other than Judd Apatow. This collaboration comes on the heels of Milioti’s impressive performance that earned her an Emmy for her role in The Penguin. According to sources, this original comedy film, which remains untitled for now, is set to be produced by Universal and is scheduled to hit theaters on February 5, 2027.
In this film, Glen Powell portrays a country-western star facing a dramatic downturn in his career. Judd Apatow, who is not only directing but also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Powell, will produce the film under his long-standing deal with Universal Pictures. Additionally, Powell and Dan Cohen are producing through their first-look deal at Barnstorm, while Kevin Misher will lead production efforts via Misher Films.
The project has garnered significant attention at Universal, with Senior EVP Production Development Erik Baiers and Director of Production Development Jacqueline Garell overseeing its progress. Both Apatow and Powell have established connections with Universal; Apatow’s relationship dates back to 2005 when he made waves with his directorial debut, The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Since then, he has directed numerous successful comedies for the studio, including Knocked Up, Funny People, This Is 40, Trainwreck, and the recent hit, The King of Staten Island.
Powell’s link to Universal began with his role in Twisters, a film that exceeded box office expectations, becoming the highest-grossing natural disaster movie domestically, amassing $267.8 million in the U.S. and a whopping $372.3 million worldwide.
Although this project is a high priority for the studio, Powell's packed schedule delayed the filming to spring. However, this delay turned out to be fortuitous for Apatow, giving him the opportunity to meet with top-tier talent for the role of Powell’s co-star. Ultimately, this led him to Cristin Milioti, whose standout performance in The Penguin has made her a top contender for female lead roles.
Kevin Misher also has a longstanding association with Universal, having served as President of Production from 1996 to 2001. During his tenure, he oversaw the production of several critically acclaimed films such as Erin Brockovich, The Fast and the Furious, Meet the Parents, and The Mummy. Following his time at Universal, he founded Misher Films, where he has produced a diverse range of films over the past twenty years, including Fighting With My Family, Coming 2 America, and You People.
In addition to her role in The Penguin, Milioti recently contributed her voice to Netflix’s animated feature In Your Dreams, where she performed alongside Simu Liu and Craig Robinson. This film, which follows siblings on a magical journey through the dream world to find The Sandman, received a Critics Choice Award nomination and was released in theaters last November before becoming available for streaming on Netflix.
Looking ahead, Milioti will star with Topher Grace in the horror film Buddy, directed by Casper Kelly, which tells the story of a courageous girl and her friends trying to escape the confines of a children's television show. This film is set for its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 22. Additionally, she has recently completed filming the pilot episode for FX’s drama series Seven Sisters, where she stars opposite Elizabeth Olsen. This series centers around a large, close-knit family that begins to unravel as one sister starts communicating with a mysterious voice, compelling the family to confront deep-seated secrets.
Milioti continues to be represented by UTA and Jackoway Austen as well as the Lede Company.
