Leslie Mann, actress renowned for her roles in iconic comedies, expressed immense pride and admiration towards her daughter Maude Apatow, as she ventured into the world of directing. Maude, the talented actress from “Euphoria” and eldest daughter of Leslie Mann and director Judd Apatow, took on the directorial role for the first time in the film “Poetic License.” This college-set comedy, featuring a stellar cast including Mann herself, Cooper Hoffman, Andrew Barth Feldman, and Nico Parker, had its world premiere at the prestigious 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.
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During a visit to the PEOPLE/EW and Shutterstock studio at TIFF on September 6, the cast shared their experiences working on “Poetic License.” Leslie Mann, 53, described the thrill of witnessing her daughter Maude, 27, take charge behind the camera. Mann shared, “I’m so proud. I just enjoyed every moment of it, truly.” She further expressed her joy at being able to work alongside her daughter every day, highlighting Maude’s nurturing and humorous nature that made the experience all the more special.
This collaboration marked a unique milestone in Leslie Mann’s extensive acting career, especially since she has previously been directed by her husband Judd Apatow. Mann openly conveyed her sense of security and trust in Maude’s directing skills, emphasising the creative synergy they shared on set. She mentioned, “I felt so safe in her hands. I feel like maybe on other movies there’s a lot of other noise that wasn’t there working with Maude. Because I just trust her.”
Maude Apatow also reflected on the seamless and rewarding experience of working with her mother. Despite initial uncertainties, the mother-daughter duo found a harmonious rhythm that translated into a vibrant and productive set. The rest of the cast echoed this sentiment, with Cooper Hoffman and Andrew Barth Feldman praising the dynamic between Leslie and Maude, which contributed to a positive working environment for all involved.
Nico Parker, who plays Mann’s daughter in the film, candidly shared her initial nerves about portraying a mother-daughter relationship on screen with the real-life pair nearby. However, as filming progressed, Parker found the experience natural and enjoyable, drawing from her own mother-daughter dynamics to enrich her performance. The authenticity and chemistry between the cast members brought a sense of fun and relatability to the project.
“Poetic License” explores themes of self-discovery and connection as Mann’s character navigates a new chapter in her life. Enrolled in a poetry class at a local college, she befriends two classmates, portrayed by Feldman and Hoffman, leading to a captivating storyline of friendship and personal growth. Maude Apatow highlighted the freshness and authenticity of the script by Raffi Donatich, offering a modern perspective on Gen-Z characters that resonated with her artistic sensibilities.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Leslie Mann and her daughter Maude Apatow in “Poetic License” not only delivered a compelling film but also showcased the power of familial bonds in the creative process. With a blend of talent, passion, and mutual respect, this mother-daughter duo has left a lasting impression on the cinematic landscape, paving the way for future collaborations and artistic endeavours.