How do two best friends break up with their respective high school sweethearts?
Well, for starters, it helps to time any split to a holiday, especially Thanksgiving break. Rom-com film “Sweethearts” stars Kiernan Shipka and “Booksmart” alum Nico Hiraga as college freshmen who make a pact to break up with their high school sweethearts over Thanksgiving break, leading them on a chaotic night out in their hometown that puts their codependent friendship to the test.
“Severance” actor Tramell Tillman, Joel Kim Booster, Ava Demary, Charlie Hall, and Christine Taylor also star.
“Dollface” creator Jordan Weiss makes her directorial debut with the feature that she co-wrote with Dan Brier. The film is from New Line Cinema and Picturestart, with Picturestart’s Erik Feig and Jessica Switch producing. The executive producers include Picturestart’s Julia Hammer, Samie Kim Falvey, and Shayne Fiske Goldner, as well as writer/director Weiss and writer Brier.
Shipka has had a big 2024, with roles in “Longlegs” and the upcoming festival favorite “The Last Showgirl.” She also will appear in holiday action film “Red One” alongside Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, and J.K. Simmons, who plays Santa.
“Sweethearts” writer/director Weiss is set to adapt Curtis Sittenfeld’s bestselling novel “Romantic Comedy” and also sold a rom-com pitch to New Line Cinema about the NFL playoffs.
Weiss additionally wrote the “Freaky Friday” sequel, “Freakier Friday.” “Late Night” and “And Just Like That” director Nisha Ganatra is helming the film, which was announced earlier this year. Shipka’s “The Last Showgirl” co-star Jamie Lee Curtis is reprising her original role from the 2003 film alongside Lindsay Lohan, Chad Michael Murray, and Mark Harmon.
“The Acolyte” star Manny Jacinto, “Never Have I Ever” breakout Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Sophia Hammons, and Julia Butters join the franchise for the follow-up feature. Weiss tweeted that the production was “the experience of a lifetime,” adding that the cast is comprised of the “most talented wonderful” people.
While plot details are still under wraps, the sequel is believed to center on a four-way body swap across three generations. The film will be released in theaters August 8, 2025.
“Sweethearts” premieres November 28 on Max. Check out the trailer below.