Rashida Jones Directs ‘Playdate’: A High-Stakes Mom Duel!
Get ready for some serious drama, folks! Rashida Jones is stepping behind the camera to direct “Playdate,” a riveting feature based on Marie Østerbye’s Black List script that snagged the #2 spot last year. Collaborative masterminds Jessica Elbaum and Will Ferrell are onboard as producers through Gloria Sanchez Productions, and they’re no strangers to comedic and thought-provoking projects, having brought us gems like “The Other Black Girl” and “You’re Cordially Invited.”
The plot sounds like a twisted mix of suburban sweetness and psychological warfare: two mothers go head-to-head, unraveling the lingering effects of childhood bullying while their daughters engage in some serious mental gymnastics of their own. Talk about a playdate gone wrong! It’s perfect fodder for today’s hot topics around parenting and mental health, especially as society grapples with the ramifications of childhood trauma.
Rashida Jones isn’t just finding her footing in directing; she’s boasting an impressive résumé as an actress, writer, and producer too. Fans might remember her work as a co-director on the Emmy-nominated documentary “Quincy,” where she explored the life of her legendary father, Quincy Jones. Plus, she’s lent her talent to some seriously cool shows like “#BlackAF,” “Angie Tribeca,” and even penned part of the story for “Toy Story 4.” But wait, there’s more—she’s also taking on the writing front for Warner Bros Animation’s “Tom & Jerry” alongside Will McCormack!
Don’t think Gloria Sanchez Productions is taking a break anytime soon either. Fresh off the buzzing reception of “Theater Camp” and the dark comedy “No Good Deed,” featuring A-list stars like Ray Romano and Lisa Kudrow, they’re clearly on a roll. Their upcoming slate even includes a live-action Cinderella villain spinoff, co-written by comedic dynamos Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo. It’s evident that the production house is committed to delivering quality, standout content that keeps audiences guessing.
As for Østerbye, she brings a wealth of experience from the other side of the pond, her previous works including all seasons of the beloved Netflix series “Rita.” It’s thrilling to see this combination of talents and visions—can’t wait to see how “Playdate” unfolds on the big screen!
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and Deadline, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety
