Mary Beth Barone to Write and Star Opposite Joe Alwyn in “Still We Met” Rom-Com, with Lena Dunham as EP: ‘It’s a Very Personal Project’

Comedian Mary Beth Barone is taking a significant step in her career by making her feature film debut as both screenwriter and lead actress in the upcoming romantic comedy, *Still We Met*. The film, which draws upon her personal experiences, promises a blend of humour and heartfelt moments as it follows the journey of a young woman on the brink of change.

Set against the backdrop of New York City, *Still We Met* will showcase Barone’s character as she encounters an enchanting British stranger, portrayed by actor Joe Alwyn. The two spend a memorable night exploring the city, during which they reveal deeper aspects of their lives and personalities. Barone views this project as particularly meaningful, stating that it allows her to share a story that resonates with her own life.

Speaking in a recent interview with Deadline, Barone expressed her enthusiasm for the film, saying, “I am beyond excited to contribute to my favourite movie genre with the incredible producers at Assemble, Irony Point, and Good Thing Going. To have decorated documentary filmmaker Zackary Drucker directing is a true honour and Joe Alwyn in the role of Isaac just could not be more perfect.”

Drucker, who is making her narrative feature directorial debut with this project, has garnered recognition for her work in documentary filmmaking, including acclaim for *This Is Me*, which earned an Emmy nomination. She has also directed notable projects like the Peabody Award-winning *The Stroll* and the HBO documentary *Enigma*, demonstrating her versatile storytelling capabilities.

Production of *Still We Met* is expected to commence this autumn in New York City, with Barone taking on the lead role. Alwyn will join her as the charming Isaac, a character that she believes complements her narrative beautifully. Executive producers Lena Dunham and Michael Cohen, known for producing the successful series *Girls*, will also play a crucial role in bringing Barone’s vision to fruition.

Meanwhile, Joe Alwyn continues to build upon his impressive filmography. His recent credits include roles in Chloé Zhao’s *Hamnet* and Brady Corbet’s *The Brutalist*, as well as stage performances such as his portrayal in *Hamlet*, alongside Riz Ahmed. Upcoming projects for Alwyn include Sam Esmail’s *Panic Carefully*, featuring a star-studded cast including Julia Roberts, Eddie Redmayne, and Elizabeth Olsen, as well as Apple’s *The Husbands*.

Speculation surrounding Barone and Alwyn’s involvement in this project was piqued when the two were spotted together in New York City, leading many to wonder about the nature of their relationship. It seems their stroll was a serendipitous lead-up to their collaboration on *Still We Met*, a narrative that beautifully encapsulates unexpected encounters.

For Barone, this project marks a pivotal moment in her career, expanding her creative repertoire beyond her successful stand-up comedy. She has already ventured into acting and production, working alongside Benito Skinner in the Amazon/A24 comedy *Overcompensating*, as well as releasing her Netflix special *Galaxy Brain*, which quickly gained popularity.

As she forges a path into feature films, Barone is determined to leave her mark on the romantic comedy genre. Although there is no official release date for *Still We Met* yet, productions are set to begin in the coming months, with many eagerly anticipating what this fresh take on a classic genre will bring.

In a time when personal narratives are gaining prominence in the film industry, Barone’s journey serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling drawn from real-life experiences. Given the collective talent involved in this project, *Still We Met* has the potential to resonate with audiences, capturing the magic of unexpected connections and personal discovery in the vibrant setting of New York City.