Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis Shine in New 'Ella McCay' Trailer

Get ready for a blend of political ambition and family chaos! Comedy legend James L. Brooks is back with a star-studded film, and the latest trailer for Ella Mccay just dropped, giving us a fresh peek at what's in store.

TL;DR

• Emma Mackey leads as an idealistic young politician trying to balance her burgeoning career with a complicated family life.
• Directed by the iconic James L. Brooks, known for classics like Terms of Endearment and The Simpsons, this marks his first feature film in 15 years.
• The movie boasts an incredible ensemble cast including Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson, Albert Brooks, Kumail Nanjiani, and Ayo Edebiri.

Big news, movie buffs! 20th Century Studios has just unveiled a brand-new trailer and a snazzy poster for Ella McCay, their upcoming comedy-drama that’s got everyone talking. Why? Well, for starters, it’s the long-awaited return of Oscar and Emmy-winning writer, director, and producer James L. Brooks to the big screen director's chair. His last feature film, How Do You Know, was way back in 2010, so it’s been a minute!

But the hype doesn't stop there. The film features a seriously impressive cast, led by Emma Mackey, who you might recognize from her standout roles in Barbie and Sex Education. She's joined by none other than Academy Award winner Jamie Lee Curtis, plus a roster of comedic and dramatic talent that promises some serious on-screen magic. We’re talking about a movie that aims to bring back the "golden age of movie comedy" with a modern twist, tackling human struggles with a "zany spirit." Sounds like just what we need, right?

What's the Big Deal About Ella McCay and Her Political Journey?

So, what's the story here? Ella McCay centers on its titular character, played by Emma Mackey, an idealistic young politician with big dreams and even bigger challenges. The official synopsis tells us she's "an idealistic young woman who juggles her family and work life while preparing to take over the job of her mentor, the state’s longtime incumbent governor." Imagine trying to run a state while your personal life is a bit of a circus – that’s Ella’s reality!

It's described as a "comedy about the people you love and how to survive them," which hits close to home for many of us. The trailer really drives home this blend of political ambition and personal chaos, showing Ella navigating intense professional moments alongside often-hilarious, sometimes frustrating, family interactions. It’s a delicate balance, and we’re eager to see how Ella manages to keep all those plates spinning.

Interestingly, James L. Brooks chose to set the film in 2008. He shared with The Hollywood Reporter that this was a deliberate choice, explaining, "The film is set in 2008, before we had this enormous division. There’s a reason for that, and it’s because it’s not about that. The picture is about how to not make government service and political office something any sane person would flee from. In a movie like this, you’ve got to figure out what the heroism is, and chase that." This approach promises a refreshing take, focusing on the genuine spirit and value of public service rather than getting bogged down in contemporary political divides.

Meet the All-Star Cast Who's Bringing This Story to Life

One of the most exciting aspects of Ella McCay is its incredible ensemble cast. James L. Brooks has assembled a dream team, and their collective talent is sure to make this film a standout.

• Emma Mackey as Ella McCay: Fresh off her success in Barbie and beloved for her role in Sex Education, Mackey takes on the challenging lead. Brooks himself had high praise, saying he thought she was "brilliant" in Sex Education and compared her to classic Hollywood heroines like Katharine Hepburn and Rosalind Russell. He noted her "great movie star" qualities, which definitely sets high expectations for her performance.
• Jamie Lee Curtis as Aunt Helen: The Oscar winner brings her unique blend of gravitas and comedic timing to the role of Ella's supportive — and outspoken — Aunt Helen. Brooks raved about Curtis, stating her "spirit permeates and is infectious in a great way. She brings a humanity, moment to moment. When the making of a picture can become snarky, Jamie is just a wall against that. Also, it helps that she has the best hug in town." We definitely saw a glimpse of that no-nonsense, loving support in the trailer!
• Woody Harrelson as Ella's Estranged Father: Harrelson is set to play Ella's wayward father, who, as described in one report, "pops back into her life at the most inopportune time." Expect some fantastic dramatic and comedic friction there.
• Rebecca Hall as Ella's Late Mother: Hall will portray Ella's mother, a role that will likely provide emotional depth and context to Ella's character.
• Albert Brooks as the Mentor Governor: A frequent collaborator with James L. Brooks (and his brother!), Albert Brooks plays Ella's mentor, the state's incumbent governor who resigns. We see him giving Ella advice, which is then hilariously interrupted by Aunt Helen, showing the film's family-meets-politics dynamic perfectly.
• Kumail Nanjiani: Known for his sharp wit in films like The Big Sick, Nanjiani adds another layer of comedic talent to the cast.
• Ayo Edebiri: A rising star from The Bear, Edebiri's inclusion promises more fantastic comedic chops. One trailer description even hinted at a "courtship" between her character and Spike Fearn's, adding a touch of romance to the mix.
• Spike Fearn: Seen recently in Alien Romulus, Fearn is part of this impressive ensemble, potentially bringing a romantic storyline.
• Jack Lowden: From Slow Horses, Lowden rounds out the main supporting cast.
• Julie Kavner as the Narrator: Fans of The Simpsons will instantly recognize Kavner as the voice of Marge Simpson. Her narration in the trailer, kicking off with "Some people get born into stable, loving families. Then there's the rest of us," sets the tone for the film's blend of warmth and relatable dysfunction.
• Becky Ann Baker & Joey Brooks: These talented actors also join the ensemble, adding to the rich tapestry of characters.

With such a diverse and talented cast, it's clear James L. Brooks has spared no effort in bringing his vision to life, ensuring every role is filled by an actor who can deliver both heart and humor.

Behind the Scenes: A Legendary Filmmaker's Comeback and Creative Vision

The return of James L. Brooks to feature film directing after a 15-year hiatus is a significant event in the movie world. Brooks is a true icon, responsible for some of the most beloved films and television shows in history. His directorial credits include Oscar winners like Terms of Endearment, the sharp comedic classic Broadcast News, and the heartfelt As Good as It Gets. Beyond film, he’s a co-creator and executive producer of a little show you might have heard of: The Simpsons.

For Ella McCay, Brooks explicitly aimed to "pay tribute, as best I could, to the golden age of movie comedy, the 1940s and 50s, when each of the Hepburns reigned." He wanted to capture that "zany spirit" while still deeply exploring "the inevitable jolts, pains, and pitfalls of being human." This dual ambition—to be both hilariously witty and genuinely poignant—is a hallmark of Brooks' best work, and it's exciting to see him re-engage with it.

He's also surrounded himself with top-tier talent behind the camera. The cinematography is handled by Oscar-winning Robert Elswit, known for his stunning work on films like There Will Be Blood and the recent Netflix series Ripley. And lending his genius to the score is none other than Hans Zimmer, a frequent collaborator with Brooks on many past projects, including As Good As It Gets and The Simpsons Movie. Their combined expertise suggests a film that will be as visually compelling and emotionally resonant as it is funny.

Filming for Ella McCay kicked off in Rhode Island in February 2024, wrapping up principal photography in May of the same year. There was also additional filming earlier in 2025, showing the dedication to getting every detail just right for this highly anticipated project.

"My goal for this movie was to pay tribute, as best I could, to the golden age of movie comedy, the 1940s and 50s, when each of the Hepburns reigned... The challenge all along was to maintain the same zany spirit of that era, while still taking seriously the inevitable jolts, pains, and pitfalls of being human. I was lucky enough to have a dream cast who delivered this story about Ella and her family with an energy and spirit way past what I’d imagined."

— James L. Brooks, Director of Ella McCay

The Speculation: Is This James L. Brooks' Path to a Simpsons Movie Sequel?

Whenever a director of James L. Brooks' stature returns after a long break, there's bound to be some chatter, and Ella McCay is no exception. While the film is exciting in its own right, some industry whispers suggest there might be more to this comeback than meets the eye. One report cited "industry chatter" indicating that 20th Century Studios might have greenlit Ella McCay with another motive in mind: getting Brooks to commit to developing a sequel to 2007's highly successful The Simpsons Movie.

Now, this is purely speculation, a classic case of "we’ll scratch your back if you scratch ours." Brooks' last directorial effort, How Do You Know (2010), wasn't a box-office success and received lukewarm reviews, which might explain why a new original project from him might need a little extra incentive. While many critics are expressing a genuine curiosity and longing for a true "Brooks comeback" on par with his earlier masterpieces, some early reactions to the trailer have been mixed, with one reviewer noting it "looks very milquetoast" and "tonally messy." However, the sheer talent involved and Brooks' legendary track record still inspire hope that he can surprise us all.

Regardless of any underlying negotiations for a Simpsons sequel, the fact remains that Ella McCay is happening, and it represents a significant moment for fans of thoughtful, character-driven comedy. Whether it rekindles the magic of his best films or paves the way for future projects (like, say, a sequel starring everyone's favorite yellow family!), it’s a film that demands our attention.

Mark Your Calendars: When and Where to Catch Ella McCay in Theaters

Ready to see Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, and the rest of this amazing cast in action? You won't have to wait too much longer! Ella McCay is slated to arrive in theaters nationwide on December 12, 2025. So, make sure to clear your calendars and prepare for a blend of political drama, family antics, and plenty of laughs, all delivered with James L. Brooks' signature touch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ella McCay

When does Ella McCay come out? Ella McCay is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 12, 2025. Where can I watch Ella McCay? The film will initially be released exclusively in theaters nationwide. Information about streaming availability will likely follow its theatrical run. What is Ella McCay about? It's a comedy-drama about Ella McCay, an idealistic young politician played by Emma Mackey, who is preparing to become a state governor while also navigating complex family relationships and personal challenges. It explores the blend of professional ambition and the chaos of loved ones. Who is the director of Ella McCay? The film is written and directed by the acclaimed James L. Brooks, marking his return to feature film directing after 15 years. Sources

• ComingSoon.net - "Emma Mackey & Jamie Lee Curtis Movie Ella McCay Gets New Trailer & Poster"
• FirstShowing.net - "Full Trailer for James L. Brooks' 'Ella McCay' Movie w/ Emma Mackey"
• OnTheRedCarpet.com - "Trailer: Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis pay homage to golden age of comedies in 'Ella McCay'"
• WorldofReel.com - "‘Ella McCay’ Trailer: James L. Brooks’ First Film in 15 Years Looks DOA"
• Uproxx.com - "‘Ella McCay’: Everything To Know About James L. Brooks’ First Movie Since 2010"
• JoBlo.com - "Emma Mackey and Jamie Lee Curtis navigate politics, family, and tribulations of love in a warm and winking trailer for Ella McCay"
• VitalThrills.com - "Ella McCay Trailer and Poster Have Been Released"
• UPI.com - "Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis deal with family in new 'Ella McCay' trailer"
• PunchDrunkCritics.com - "‘Ella McCay’ Trailer: James L. Brooks Returns With A New Comedy Starring..."