Meg Ryan returns to the screens after 20 year absence

After a 20 year absence, American actress Meg Ryan is making a surprise return to the silver screen in the upcoming romantic comedy feature film, What Happens Later.

The new comedy film “is described as an evolved and nostalgic take on the rom-com”, according to The Wrap, and will see Ryan star alongside well-known The X Files actor, David Duchovny.

In a subtle teaser of the highly- anticipated rom-com, Ryan took to social media on Tuesday, May 3, to share a poster of the new film, captioning the post, “HERE WE GO!!”.

 

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According to the official synopsis, the rom-com will follow the story of “ex-lovers Willa (Ryan) and Bill (Duchovny)” as they “are reunited for the first time since their split decades prior when they both find themselves snowed in, in transit, at an overnight airport”.

“Willa is still the wilful, independent spirit she once was, free of any ties. Bill, recently separated, is reassessing his life and his relationships with his estranged wife and daughter.

“All each wants is to get home, but over the course of the night they find themselves at first reluctantly drawn together yet compelled to revisit their past, along with what could have been and what might well be again. But when the versions of their shared history don’t quite add up, where do they go from there?”

In a joint statement from the producers of the film, the team described their privilege in being able to deliver the new film.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have the incredible teams at Bleecker Street and HanWay alongside us as we bring this special story to the screen. We believe it’s a look at life and love that audiences the world over will relate to and hunger for in these uncertain times when connection and reconciliation feel more important than ever,” the statement read.

In a nod to Ryan’s return to the big screen and her undeniable talent, Bleecker Street CEO, Andrew Karpen, acknowledged his excitement upon having Ryan on board for the project.

“We are beyond fortunate that the project is in the hands of one of the most gifted romantic comedy actors of her generation. Combined with the talent of her co-stars and producers, we are honored to be on this journey and look forward to sharing the experience with audiences next year,” he said.

“It is exciting to have Meg Ryan bring the weight of her experience in the genre to the director’s chair and to matchmake her with such a wonderful sparring partner in David Duchovny. This is exactly what audiences everywhere are looking for and HanWay is thrilled to be partnering once again with our friends at Bleecker Street.”

Ryan has been largely absent from the spotlight in recent years with her last major film role being 2001’s Kate and Leopold. She told New York Times Magazine in 2019 that she “was burned out” while discussing her decision to take a step back from acting.

“I didn’t feel like I knew enough anymore about myself or the world to reflect it as an actor. I felt isolated,” she said.