20th Century Studios just dropped the second trailer for Ella McCay, the filmmaker’s first directorial outing since How Do You Know back in 2010. Yes, it’s been 15 years since Brooks last took the director’s chair, and judging by the charming sneak peek, his signature mix of humor, heart, and human chaos hasn’t missed a beat.
Emma Mackey leads the cast as the bright, earnest Ella McCay, a young woman stepping into some very large shoes—her mentor’s, to be exact. As she prepares to take over as the state’s next governor, Ella must navigate both political storms and family drama, proving that leadership doesn’t stop at the office door.
The film boasts an ensemble as impressive as any newsroom or kitchen table Brooks has ever written: Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Lowden, Kumail Nanjiani, Ayo Edebiri, Rebecca Hall, Albert Brooks, and Woody Harrelson headline this sharp yet warm political-family hybrid comedy.
The trailer itself sets a tone that’s equal parts snappy and sentimental, offering glimpses of comedic debates, emotional confessions, and a few perfectly awkward moments that scream “classic James L. Brooks.” It’s witty, self-aware, and feels like a love letter to the art of juggling too much and caring too deeply.
Produced by Brooks alongside Richard Sakai, Julie Ansell, and Jennifer Simchowitz, Ella McCay rolls into theaters on December 12th, 2025—just in time for the holiday movie rush. No festival stops, no long buildup—just a surprise December premiere from one of Hollywood’s most beloved storytellers.
If the tagline “Any last minute advice?” is any clue, Brooks is once again diving into the tender absurdity of being human. Whether you’re into politics, parenting, or plain old panic, Ella McCay might offer all three—with a laugh and maybe a few tears, too.
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