Academy Award-winning actor Emma Stone is reportedly preparing to return to the romantic comedy genre with her upcoming project The Catch. Following her recent involvement in thrillers such as Bugonia and Eddington, this shift signals a move back toward lighter, character-driven storytelling. The film has already generated industry buzz, particularly due to the possibility of Stone sharing the screen with Chris Pine for the first time.
According to industry reports, Pine is currently in discussions to star opposite Stone in the Universal Pictures-backed film. The project will be directed by Dave McCary, who is not only a filmmaker but also Stone’s husband. While specific plot details remain undisclosed, the film is based on a script by Patrick Kang and Michael Levin and has been described as a two-hander romantic comedy — a format that focuses primarily on the relationship and dynamic between its two central characters.
Universal Pictures has yet to officially confirm Pine’s casting. However, sources suggest that if negotiations conclude successfully, The Catch could become Stone’s next major acting commitment. The actress had reportedly been evaluating multiple scripts in recent months before deciding to prioritise this project after reviewing a revised draft that resonated with her creatively.
Stone’s interest in the film quickly drew attention across the industry, prompting several actors to express interest in the male lead role. Following a series of discussions with studio executives and producers, Pine reportedly emerged as the leading contender for the part. His potential involvement would mark a new on-screen pairing that could appeal to audiences given both actors’ established presence in the genre.
In addition to starring in the film, Stone will also serve as a producer. She is set to collaborate with producers Shawn Levy and Dan Levine, who will work under their production banner 21 Laps. Michael H. Weber is also attached as a producer. On the studio side, Universal’s Senior Executive Vice President of Production Development Erik Baiers and Creative Executive Jacqueline Garell will oversee the project.
Chris Pine, who began his acting career with early television roles in the 2000s, gained recognition through appearances in projects such as The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. He later achieved global prominence through major roles including James T. Kirk in the Star Trek reboot film series and Steve Trevor in DC’s Wonder Woman franchise. His most recent work includes Rachel Lambert’s romantic drama Carousel.
If confirmed, Pine’s participation in The Catch would mark a notable collaboration and reinforce Universal’s interest in revitalising the romantic comedy genre with high-profile talent.