Chris Fleming & Irina Shayk Join Universal Rom-Com 'The Catch'
News Source
•Fri, 31 Jul 2026 19:00:00 +0000
🔍 The Backstory
Universal Pictures' upcoming baseball-themed romantic comedy 'The Catch' continues to build an impressive ensemble cast. Comedian Chris Fleming (HBO's 'Live at the Palace') and model-actress Irina Shayk ('Hercules') have joined the previously announced cast including Emma Stone, Chris Pine, Tim Robbins, Sissy Spacek, Ashley Padilla, and Druski.
The film is being directed by Dave McCary from a script draft by Jen Statsky (co-creator of 'Hacks') and Travis Helwig. It originated as a spec script from Patrick Kang and Michael Levin. The project will be produced by Emma Stone, McCary, and Ali Herting through Fruit Tree's first-look deal with Universal Pictures, alongside Shawn Levy and Dan Levine through 21 Laps. Character and plot details remain under wraps.
🎯 Why It Matters
'The Catch' is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated romantic comedies in years, with an extraordinary cast that blends A-list stars (Stone, Pine), respected veterans (Robbins, Spacek), and rising comedic talents (Fleming, Padilla, Druski). The involvement of Jen Statsky, co-creator of the award-winning 'Hacks', suggests sharp, character-driven comedy.
The film also represents the continued evolution of the rom-com genre, which has seen a resurgence in recent years after being largely abandoned by major studios in favour of franchise films. A theatrical rom-com with this level of talent attached is a bet that audiences still crave romantic comedy on the big screen.
Universal Pictures' upcoming baseball-themed romantic comedy 'The Catch' continues to build an impressive ensemble cast. Comedian Chris Fleming (HBO's 'Live at the Palace') and model-actress Irina Shayk ('Hercules') have joined the previously announced cast including Emma Stone, Chris Pine, Tim Robbins, Sissy Spacek, Ashley Padilla, and Druski.
The film is being directed by Dave McCary from a script draft by Jen Statsky (co-creator of 'Hacks') and Travis Helwig. It originated as a spec script from Patrick Kang and Michael Levin. The project will be produced by Emma Stone, McCary, and Ali Herting through Fruit Tree's first-look deal with Universal Pictures, alongside Shawn Levy and Dan Levine through 21 Laps. Character and plot details remain under wraps.
'The Catch' is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated romantic comedies in years, with an extraordinary cast that blends A-list stars (Stone, Pine), respected veterans (Robbins, Spacek), and rising comedic talents (Fleming, Padilla, Druski). The involvement of Jen Statsky, co-creator of the award-winning 'Hacks', suggests sharp, character-driven comedy.
The film also represents the continued evolution of the rom-com genre, which has seen a resurgence in recent years after being largely abandoned by major studios in favour of franchise films. A theatrical rom-com with this level of talent attached is a bet that audiences still crave romantic comedy on the big screen.