Andrew Rannells Helps a Grieving Allison Janney Plan a Funeral in Heartfelt “Miss You, Love You” Trailer (Exclusive)

**Andrew Rannells Describes Working with Allison Janney as “Winning the Gay Acting Lottery” in New HBO Film**

Andrew Rannells is set to appear alongside the award-winning actress Allison Janney in the upcoming film “Miss You, Love You,” directed by Jim Rash. The film, which will premiere on HBO on May 29, focuses on the themes of love, grief, and unexpected connections formed in the wake of loss.

In “Miss You, Love You,” Rannells takes on the role of Jamie, a personal assistant to a successful journalist. The narrative follows Jamie’s journey as he travels to assist his boss’s estranged mother, Diane, portrayed by Janney, in preparing for her husband’s funeral. The pair, both grappling with their emotional turmoil, must navigate their relationship amid the challenges of death and familial estrangement.

The film’s official synopsis describes Diane Patterson as a “blunt, grieving widow.” She is compelled to collaborate with a total stranger—her son’s assistant—to arrange the funeral. Throughout their interactions, both characters confront their grief, uncover hidden secrets, and engage in moments filled with dark humour. Their evolving partnership provides an unexpected avenue for connection, laughter, and ultimately healing.

Jim Rash, widely known for both his acting and screenwriting prowess, draws from personal life experiences to inform this project. He revealed to PEOPLE how the inspiration for “Miss You, Love You” emerged from the loss of his father eight years ago. “I was pulling from my experiences with him, plus my stepmother’s experiences following his passing,” Rash explained. He recalled a time when his sister’s assistant volunteered to help the family during that emotional period, a stranger in their midst, which sparked the idea for the film.

Rannells and Janney share a long history, having met socially when Rannells starred in “The Book of Mormon” on Broadway. Reflecting on joining forces with the acclaimed actress, Rannells described the moment as akin to winning the gay acting lottery. He recounted how Rash presented him with the script, and upon learning that Janney would play Diane, he could hardly believe his luck. “It was going to be a few weeks in Albuquerque doing this incredibly beautiful, but complicated [script],” said Rannells.

The film was shot over a brief 17-day period in the picturesque landscapes near Albuquerque, New Mexico. Rannells remarked that much of the film consists of intimate dialogues between him and Janney, bolstered by performances from Bonnie Hunt, Suzy Nakamura, Oscar Nuñez, and Lisa Schurga in supporting roles. Notably, the cinematography was helmed by Danny Moder, husband of Julia Roberts, who even prepared appetizers for the cast during a Super Bowl gathering amid filming.

As Rash noted, the title of the film, “Miss You, Love You,” encapsulates the complex emotional dynamics often present in relationships. He explained that the phrase often relates to individuals who have caused pain in one’s life yet remain significant figures to us. “It felt like a tug of war that we often have with people that we are trying to cut out, and they don’t want us to go,” he added, expressing his fascination with the tension in such relationships.

“Miss You, Love You” marks Rash’s third feature film as a director and his first since 2020’s “Downhill.” He hopes the film will resonate with audiences by highlighting the unpredictable nature of grief and the connections that can form in moments of vulnerability.

The film is poised to premiere on HBO at 8 p.m. ET and will subsequently be available for streaming on HBO Max. It promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of relationships forged in adversity, tackled with both sensitivity and humour.

With Rannells’ charm and Janney’s acclaimed talent, “Miss You, Love You” is anticipated to be a compelling addition to the HBO slate, captivating viewers as it tells a deeply human story of loss and reconnection.