"Babies" Movie Just Got a Major Cast Upgrade with Issa Rae, Dan Stevens, Zach Cherry, and Kate Berlant!

Lauren Miller Rogen's upcoming comedy-drama Babies is shaping up to be a star-studded affair, with a fantastic new ensemble joining leads Anna Kendrick and Seth Rogen as filming kicks off in Los Angeles!

TL;DR: The "Babies" Movie Update You Need to Know

• Issa Rae, Dan Stevens, Zach Cherry, and Kate Berlant are officially joining the cast of the new comedy-drama Babies.
• The film, directed by Lauren Miller Rogen, stars Anna Kendrick and Seth Rogen as a couple navigating the decision to have kids, who are suddenly thrust into co-parenting.
• Production has just begun in Los Angeles, supported by the California Tax Credit program.

Get Ready for a Hilarious & Heartfelt Ride: What "Babies" Is All About

Alright, movie fans, grab your popcorn because we've got some exciting news about a project that's definitely on our radar: Babies. This isn't just another rom-com; it's being described as an "ensemble comedy drama about the journey to parenthood… or not." And honestly, that sounds incredibly relatable in today's world, doesn't it?

The story centers on Annie, played by the ever-charming Anna Kendrick, and her husband Aaron, portrayed by the one and only Seth Rogen. They're a couple wrestling with one of life's biggest questions: should they bring a child into the world? It's a huge decision, and many of us can probably picture ourselves in their shoes, weighing the pros and cons, maybe even making a few spreadsheets (or is that just us?).

But as life often does, it throws a curveball. Our hesitant duo unexpectedly gets a crash course in co-parenting when a newly divorced friend moves in, bringing her four-year-old along for the ride. Talk about a trial by fire! This setup promises a ton of laughs, awkward situations, and probably some genuinely touching moments as Annie and Aaron grapple with the realities of instant family life.

It's this blend of comedy and drama, exploring such a universal theme, that makes Babies feel like it could be a really special film. Lauren Miller Rogen, who wrote and is directing the movie, seems to have a knack for telling these kinds of stories. Her previous work, like the Netflix original Like Father (starring Kristen Bell and Kelsey Grammer), showed a wonderful ability to balance humor with emotional depth, so we're expecting great things here!

An All-Star Lineup Just Got Even Better with These Incredible Additions

As if Anna Kendrick and Seth Rogen weren't enough to get us hyped, the casting news for Babies just keeps getting better! Four seriously talented actors have officially joined the ensemble, and we're buzzing to see what they bring to the table in supporting roles. Let's dive into who's joining the fun:

Issa Rae Brings Her Signature Sparkle to the Ensemble Cast

First up, we have the phenomenal Issa Rae. If you've watched her groundbreaking HBO series Insecure (which she created and starred in, racking up Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, plus a Peabody Award), you know she's a force of nature. Rae's wit, intelligence, and incredible comedic timing are unmatched. Seriously, she's a modern icon.

Her recent film credits are just as impressive, showing her range and star power. She brought incredible energy to the mega-hit Barbie, delivered a powerful performance in the Oscar-winning American Fiction, and voiced a fan-favorite character in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. We can't wait to see what dynamic she adds to the already fantastic cast of Babies. Whatever her role, you can bet she'll make it memorable.

Dan Stevens: From British Aristocracy to MonsterVerse Mayhem and Beyond

Next, we welcome the incredibly versatile Dan Stevens. Many will remember him fondly as Matthew Crawley from the beloved series Downton Abbey, where he first captured international attention. But since then, Stevens has consistently pushed boundaries with his roles.

He's been seen in everything from Noah Hawley's critically acclaimed series Legion to Hulu's Gaslit, and even opposite Robert De Niro in the Netflix series Zero Day. On the big screen, he's been busy, recently starring in Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and wrapping up the upcoming Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, slated for a 2027 release. His recent filmography also includes "Tilman Singer's Cuckoo," Abigail, Netflix's Eurovision, and I'm Your Man. Stevens has a knack for transforming himself into vastly different characters, making his addition to Babies a truly exciting prospect. Who knows what kind of character he'll embody in this family-centric comedy-drama?

Zach Cherry, the Emmy-Nominated Actor We All Love from "Severance"

Prepare to be charmed by Zach Cherry, an Emmy-nominated actor who's quickly become a household name thanks to his series regular role in Apple TV+'s chilling and brilliant drama Severance. His performance there is nothing short of captivating.

But Cherry's talents extend far beyond sci-fi mysteries. He co-hosted three seasons of The Great American Baking Show on Roku, bringing his infectious enthusiasm to the kitchen, and lent his voice to Fox's animated comedy Duncanville. He also made a memorable appearance in Amazon Prime's hit series Fallout. His television resume is extensive, including stints on HBO's Succession, Netflix's Living With Yourself and You, and NBC's I Feel Bad. On the big screen, you might recognize him from Nicole Holofcener's You Hurt My Feelings alongside Julia Louis-Dreyfus, as well as roles in blockbusters like Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and Spider-Man: Homecoming, plus Steven Soderbergh's Unsane. Cherry's ability to blend comedic timing with genuine pathos makes him a perfect fit for Babies.

Kate Berlant: A Unique Comedic Voice Bringing the Laughs

Last but certainly not least, we have the incredibly unique and hilarious Kate Berlant. An Emmy-nominated comedian, actress, and writer, Berlant has been making waves with her distinct comedic voice. Her one-woman show KATE sold out in both New York and L.A., and her special Cinnamon in the Wind, directed by Bo Burnham, garnered stellar reviews.

She also co-created and starred in the A24/Peacock special Would It Kill You to Laugh? with John Early, showcasing her signature style. Her TV credits include A League of Their Own, a notable cameo in The Bear, and she even appeared in Season 2 of Nobody Wants This with Seth Rogen! On the film side, she's been in a variety of projects, from Don't Worry Darling and Dream Scenario to Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Sorry to Bother You, with upcoming roles in Maddie's Secret and The Moment. Berlant's sharp wit and unconventional humor are sure to add an extra layer of brilliance to the film.

Behind the Scenes of "Babies": The Visionary Team Bringing It to Life

While the stars are front and center, it's the talented folks behind the camera who truly make a movie magic. For Babies, we've got a fantastic team led by writer-director Lauren Miller Rogen, and she's got some serious experience.

Lauren Miller Rogen isn't just directing; she also penned the screenplay, which means this story is truly her vision. She's no stranger to the director's chair, having previously helmed the Netflix film Like Father, which starred Kristen Bell and Kelsey Grammer and explored family dynamics in a heartfelt way. She also wrote, starred in, and produced the indie comedy For a Good Time, Call..., which was released by Focus Features. On top of Babies, Miller Rogen is also attached to direct the horror comedy Be Mine for MRC and the action comedy Sky Dancers for Original Film, proving her diverse talent behind the camera.

The film is being produced by a strong lineup of companies, including AGC Studios and Monarch Media, with Miller Rogen herself producing for LYLAS Pictures alongside Jen W. Ray. Stuart Ford is producing for AGC Studios, and Steve Barnett for Monarch Media. The executive producer list is equally robust, featuring Miguel A. Palos Jr. and Zach Garrett for AGC, Alan Powell and Vicky Patel for Monarch, and Sophie Høegh for LYLAS. This team clearly has a lot of experience bringing quality stories to the screen.

For those wondering about distribution, AGC Studios and CAA Media Finance are co-representing worldwide rights, with AGC handling sales at the American Film Market. This kind of setup often means the film is aiming for a broad release, potentially reaching audiences globally.

Is "Babies" Seth Rogen's Grand Return to Comedy's Leading Man?

For a while there, Seth Rogen seemed to be taking a bit of a step back from headlining big-screen comedies, opting for more supporting roles and focusing heavily on his incredibly successful production company, Point Grey Pictures. But with Babies, it feels like a glorious "return to form" for the comedy superstar, and we couldn't be more excited!

Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Rogen was practically synonymous with hilarious, often R-rated, comedies, gracing us with instant classics like Knocked Up, Pineapple Express, This Is the End, and Neighbors. While he never truly disappeared from acting (aside from some brilliant voice roles), his leading roles became less frequent after 2020's An American Pickle.

Instead, Rogen was busy behind the scenes, shaping some of the most crowd-pleasing television series of the last decade. Through Point Grey Pictures, he's had a hand in bringing hit shows like Preacher, The Boys, Invincible, and Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to life. His recent Apple TV+ series, The Studio, which offers a satirical look at Hollywood, was a massive success at the Primetime Emmy Awards. Rogen himself walked away with wins for acting, producing, directing, and writing for the show, which is currently set for a second season!

But fear not, fans of Seth Rogen as the leading man! Babies signals a clear comeback. Not only is he starring opposite Anna Kendrick in this promising comedy-drama, but he's also wrapped filming on two other comedies where he takes the lead: The Wrong Girls and The Invite. It seems our favorite funnyman is ready to reclaim his spot at the forefront of big-screen comedy, and we are absolutely here for it!

What's Next for "Babies"? Get the Inside Scoop on Filming

So, with this amazing cast now locked in and the creative team ready, what's the latest on Babies? Well, the good news is that production is officially underway! The film has just started shooting on location in Los Angeles.

This is a big step, and it's happening with the support of the California Tax Credit program, or the California Film Commission's Film and Television Tax Credit, which helps bring productions to the state. Filming in L.A. often means we might get some candid behind-the-scenes glimpses or even a sneak peek at the cast on set as production progresses.

While there's no official release date yet (it's still early days in production, after all!), the fact that it's shooting now means we can eagerly anticipate more news in the coming months. Keep an eye out for potential first-look images, maybe even a teaser trailer down the line. Given the talent involved, Babies is shaping up to be a film that will definitely resonate with audiences, blending humor with the heartfelt realities of considering parenthood.

Frequently Asked Questions About "Babies"

Who is directing the movie Babies? The comedy-drama Babies is directed by Lauren Miller Rogen, who also wrote the screenplay. She previously directed the Netflix film Like Father. What is the plot of Babies? Babies follows Annie (Anna Kendrick) and her husband Aaron (Seth Rogen), a couple contemplating having children, who suddenly become co-parents when a newly divorced friend moves in with her four-year-old. Where is Babies currently filming? The movie Babies is currently shooting on location in Los Angeles, California, with the support of the California Tax Credit program. Who are the main cast members of Babies? The main cast includes Anna Kendrick and Seth Rogen, with recent additions Issa Rae, Dan Stevens, Zach Cherry, and Kate Berlant joining in supporting roles.

Sources:

• The Hollywood Reporter (Scott Roxborough)
• Deadline (Zac Ntim)
• Variety (Leo Barraclough)
• CBR
• Yahoo