Emma Roberts is set to headline the upcoming comedy film Hot Mess, directed by Katie Locke O'Brien, marking her feature directorial debut. The project was written by Gabrielle D'Amico and produced by Debbie Liebling, Maggie Malina, and Laura Lewis. Mister Smith Entertainment will launch international sales at this month's Cannes market, while Laura Lewis at Rebelle Media is representing North American rights.
The film follows Laurel Mack, portrayed by Emma Roberts, who suffers a public meltdown on an American dating show and is forced to return to her hometown, living in her parents' quirky basement with no friends. She's constantly bumping into her miserable ex and being mocked by others who witnessed her disastrous appearance on the show. The movie tells the story of her hilarious and heartfelt journey to self-discovery and finding genuine connections with others. Director Katie Locke O'Brien says, "Hot Mess is a sharp, witty script that stood out to me as a fresh story of a woman finding her place in a world ruled by social media and outsized expectations. I am so eager to bring this to life with Emma as the perfect Laurel. She brings the fun of the messy side, and all the heart with it."
Producers Debbie Liebling, Maggie Malina, and Laura Lewis are thrilled to be partnering with Emma Roberts on Hot Mess. They say, "She will undoubtedly bring the ferocity, vulnerability, and comedic hot-messiness to this character. The time has come for a comedy set in the world of reality dating shows and their hold on our collective consciousness. Katie's comedic and heartfelt approach will make a very commercial comedy that speaks to anyone seeking self-love."
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Emma Roberts is no stranger to comedy, having previously starred in movies like Nerve, American Horror Story, and We're the Millers. She is currently in production on Ryan Murphy's American Horror Story: Delicate, and also executive produces the upcoming romantic comedy Space Cadet. After her work on Hot Mess, she's set to begin production on Frank Coraci's Verona Spies. Hot Mess is scheduled to start shooting in early 2024, and we can't wait to see how Emma Roberts brings Laurel Mack's character to life. The film promises to be an entertaining mix of humor and heart, with a fresh take on the impact of reality TV in today's society. Keep an eye out for more updates on this exciting project!