When it comes to classic romantic comedies, no one can beat Meg Ryan, as she was one of the most successful actresses in the ‘90s era. Ryan made her debut in the industry with ‘As The World Turns’ soap-opera in 1982. But later, she rose to fame with films like ‘Promised Land’ (1987) and ‘When Harry Met Sally’ (1989); she also got her first Golden Globe nomination for the latter.
However, not only as an actress, but Meg Ryan has also impressed the audiences as a director too. She made her directorial debut with ‘Ithaca’ in 2015, where she also starred as the lead actress opposite Tom Hanks.
The 60-year-old actress is now returning as a direct, as well as star again in the upcoming rom-com ‘What Happens Later’ after seven years. The film is based on the play ‘Shooting Star’ written by Steven Dietz, who has also co-written the film with novelist, Kirk Lynn and Meg Ryan. The film will also star David Duchovny. As reported by the Variety website, ‘What Happens Later’s international sales and distributions will be handled by HanWay Films and they are going to kick off its sales this month at the Cannes Film Festival 2022.
The story of ‘What Happens Later’ follows ex-lovers, Willa (Meg Ryan) and Bill (David Duchovny), who are reunited for the first time since their split decades prior when they both find themselves snowed in, in-transit, at an airport overnight. Willa is still the wilful, independent spirit she once was, free of any ties, while the recently separated Bill is reassessing his life and his relationships with his estranged wife and daughter. All each of them 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, the question arises, where do they go from there?
It’s also been reported that the Bleeker Street production company has acquired the US rights and is planning for a 2023 theatrical release for ‘What Happens Later’.