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Madelyn Cline is officially set to expand her growing film résumé as she enters talks to star alongside Glen Powell in a new original comedy from Universal Pictures, with Judd Apatow attached to direct. The untitled project marks another high profile collaboration for Apatow, who co wrote the screenplay with Powell, and continues Universal’s investment in star driven theatrical comedies. Cristin Milioti has also recently joined the cast, further strengthening the ensemble.
The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on February 5, 2027. While plot details are largely being kept under wraps, it has been confirmed that Glen Powell will play a country western music star whose career is spiraling, placing the character in a personal and professional free fall. Madelyn Cline is set to portray a pop star, a role that was initially being considered for real life music artists before the filmmakers broadened the search. According to sources close to the production, Cline impressed Judd Apatow and Universal executives during recent meetings, ultimately leading to an offer following a standout audition.
Judd Apatow will produce the film through Apatow Productions under his longstanding overall deal with Universal. Powell will also take on producing duties alongside Dan Cohen through Barnstorm, which currently holds a first look deal with the studio. Kevin Misher is producing through Misher Films. The project is being overseen at Universal by Senior EVP of Production Development Erik Baiers and Director of Production Development Jacqueline Garell.
Cline’s casting reflects her continued rise in Hollywood following her breakout role in Netflix’s hit series Outer Banks. The show returned for its fourth season in the fall and debuted at number one on the platform, remaining in the Netflix Top 10 for more than
seven weeks. Cline is set to return once more for the fifth and final season, which is scheduled to premiere in 2026. Her performance on the series has played a significant role in positioning her as a sought after talent across both film and television.
In 2025, Cline starred in Sony’s sequel to I Know What You Did Last Summer, appearing alongside a new generation cast that included Chase Sui Wonders, Sarah Pidgeon, Jonah Hauer King and Tyriq Withers, as well as returning franchise stars Sarah Michelle Geller, Freddie Prinze Jr. And Jennifer Love Hewitt. The project marked her entry into a major legacy horror property.
Shortly after, Cline co led Amazon’s romantic drama The Map That Leads to You with KJ Apa under the direction of Lasse Hallström. The film debuted at number one on Prime Video’s Top 10 list on its release day, further demonstrating her commercial appeal. She will next be seen starring opposite Johnny Depp and Penélope Cruz in Lionsgate’s Day Drinker, directed by Marc Webb, which is set for release later this year.
With Judd Apatow’s proven track record in character driven comedies and Glen Powell’s growing box office momentum, the addition of Madelyn Cline positions the Universal project as one of the studio’s notable upcoming releases. Cline is represented by CAA, Entertainment 360, Bold Talent Agency and Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum.
