When it was announced that Netflix was going to foot the $130 million bill for the new Nancy Meyers rom-com with an A-list cast, there were many (myself included) who thought it was a bit crazy. That’s a superhero film budget, not necessarily the type of money you throw at an adult-focused romantic comedy. Sure, it’s Nancy Meyers, but a nine-figure budget? Wow. Well, it appears Netflix ended up thinking the same thing.
According to Variety, Netflix has passed on financing and distributing the next, untitled Nancy Meyers romantic comedy. This comes just days after it was announced that the film was looking to add Scarlett Johansson, Penélope Cruz, Owen Wilson, and Michael Fassbender to the cast. While the budget was never confirmed, it was reported that the film could cost $130 million, which is completely massive when you’re talking about a time when streamers are seemingly trying to tighten the purse strings just a little bit.
However, it’s not all bad news. Apparently, the report also says the film is now being shopped to prospective studios looking to finance the rom-com. Obviously, this begs the question, again, if there is anyone out there willing to spend that much money during a time when nearly every studio is scared to bet big on one project? Maybe a streamer like Prime Video or Apple TV+ would be willing to spend the money because they seem to be the only ones left that will make a big play like that.
Otherwise, it really is hard to imagine Nancy Meyers finding a new home without some serious changes to the DNA of the film. We’ll just have to wait and see. Regardless, it’s still a bit of a bummer for those hoping to see Meyers make her first film since 2015’s “The Intern.” You might just be waiting a bit longer.