Shutterstock

FILM & TV

Nancy Meyers’ New Rom-Com Canceled by Netflix

Netflix has pulled the plug on Nancy Meyers’ next film. This comes after reports last week that the director and studio were not on the same page regarding the film's budget.
Shutterstock

Netflix has pulled the plug on Nancy Meyers’ next film. This comes after reports last week that the director and studio were not on the same page regarding the film’s budget.

The film was reportedly titled Paris Paramount, a romantic comedy about a filmmaking duo who reunite on set after they had separated. It was reported that Scarlett Johansson, Owen Wilson, Penelope Cruz, and Michael Fassbender were set to star in the film. Allegedly, the budget for the film was $130 million, which Netflix greenlit. Meyers was fighting for $150 million, with $80 million going towards the cost of the cast and Meyers herself. According to Deadline, neither side was willing to compromise, leading Netflix to ultimately withdraw. 

Nancy Meyers won a screenwriting Oscar for Private Benjamin and then went on to make her directorial debut with 1998’s The Parent Trap, starring Lindsay Lohan. Since then, Meyers has been the creative force behind rom-com staples such as It’s Complicated and What Women Want. This film was set to be Meyers’ return to directing after her 2015 hit The Intern, which grossed $135 million globally on a $35 million budget. 

The director’s success has led to some online advocating for another studio to pick up the film and give it a theatrical release. According to Variety, the filmmakers behind the project are looking into alternative options to get the film released. Allegedly, once the film’s stars have been confirmed, the project will be shopped to buyers as a package. However, Meyers’ representatives did not immediately respond to Variety’s request for comment.

Many fans feel that this is a major loss for Netflix, which has been criticized for its content choices in the past. The platform has become notorious for canceling programs after one season, despite their popularity amongst certain audiences. 

It is unknown if the film will be released as planned, but many are maintaining hope. The rom-com genre has picked back up in recent years after having fallen off. However, many are still championing a full-fledged rom-com resurgence.