New Movie Starring Jamie Lee Curtis Slated to Start Filming in Providence This Week
Directed by TV and Film Icon James L. Brooks, 'Ella McCay' also stars Woody Harrelson, 'Barbie' star Emma Mackey and more big names in Hollywood.
The film’s stars Spike Fearn, Woody Harrelson, Jamie Lee Curtis, Emma Mackey and director James L. Brooks at the ‘Ella McCay’ press conference.
Update: Ella McCay has been given a release date of September 19, 2025. Variety reports that the early fall release indicates the studio is gearing up for “award attention.”
“This is a lot of fun, isn’t it?” Governor Dan McKee says to a packed room at the State House. All of the seats are filled, reporters line the wall and you can hear camera shutters clicking furiously to try to get a shot of the star-studded front row at the press conference.
“I’ve never been in a room so packed with people who have smiles on their faces,” Speaker of the House Joseph Shekarchi jokes with the giddy crowd. (I was indeed one of the members of the audience grinning ear-to-ear.)
Why all the excitement? Rhode Island is going to be home to Hollywood blockbuster, Ella McCay. The film will follow young politician, Ella McCay, played by Emma Mackey, as she juggles familial issues and a challenging work life while preparing to take over the job of her mentor, the state’s longtime incumbent governor, played by comedy legend Albert Brooks.
The audience members weren’t the only ones excited about the project being held in Rhode Island. “What I need for this film is to represent America in sort of the best sense possible. We looked at a lot of places, and I’m so glad we’re here,” says James L. Brooks, who will be directing the film.
Lil’ Rhody isn’t just the perfect location for an all-American movie. According to one of the film’s stars and Academy Award-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis, Rhode Island is also the perfect spot when it comes to getting movies made.
“We’re here because there aren’t a lot of opportunities around the country, and particularly California. So, for my friends in California and in California government, this is how you do it,” says Curtis, in reference to the challenges faced last year during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.
Jamie Lee Curtis addresses the crowd at ‘Ella McCay’ press conference.
“America is about ideas, and this is a movie about big ideas and people dreaming for the betterment of other people,” Curtis continues, while describing the ideals of the upcoming film.
The movie also stars Emmy winner and Academy Award-nominee Woody Harrelson, Oscar nominee Kumail Nanjiani, The Bear’s Emmy and Golden Globe winner Ayo Edibiri and Spike Fearn.
Where can you catch a celebrity sighting? Head to the Creative Capital and keep your eyes peeled for the star-studded cast of Ella McCay, which will begin filming in Providence this upcoming Monday.
The cast and crew were already spotted tasting some local fare in Providence!
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