Bleecker Street
Meg Ryan's 'What Happens Later' Is Headed to Streaming
I'm sorry, Julia Roberts, Drew Barrymore and Sandra Bullock. There's only one queen of the rom-com and her name is Meg Ryan. When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail are arguably three of the best romantic comedies ever made, and that's thanks in part to Ryan's charismatic charm and comedic timing.
And yet, after dominating the genre throughout the '90s, Ryan has been largely absent from the big screen for more than a decade. Her last comedy was Serious Moonlight in 2009 and her only other movie since then was a drama she directed called Ithaca. Now, the wait is over. Meg Ryan is back with a new rom-com called What Happens Later, co-starring David Duchovny, which she also directed. And after a theatrical run, it is now headed to streaming.
Here's everything you need to know about Meg Ryan's comeback in What Happens Later.
Related: 20 Romantic Comedies From the Golden Age of Hollywood
What is the release date for What Happens Later?
What Happens Later premiered in theaters on Oct. 13, 2023, in the middle of prime fall rom-com season.
Where to watch What Happens Later
What Happens Later is currently playing only in theaters, but starting Nov. 28, it will be available to buy or rent on demand on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV.
What Happens Later
Bleecker Street
What is What Happens Later about?
In a classic rom-com ploy, exes Willa (Ryan) and Bill (Duchovny) get snowed in overnight at the same regional airport, several decades after their relationship ended. The one-time lovers are initially annoyed that they're stuck together, but obviously since it's a rom-com, the ice begins to thaw. Perhaps they were perfect for one another all along? We'll have to watch to find out.
What is What Happens Later based on?
What Happens Later is based on a 2008 play called "Shooting Star" by Steven Dietz. It was adapted for the screen by Dietz, Ryan and Kirk Lynn.
Who is in the cast of What Happens Later?
Meg Ryan
Meg Ryan
At the moment, the announced cast for What Happens Later includes just Meg Ryan and David Duchovny. Based on the trailer, they seem to be trapped in a terminal mostly by themselves, which means we'll be getting a healthy dose of Ryan's charm.
David Duchovny
David Duchovny
Playing Ryan's love interest is David Duchovny, who is best known for his television work on The X-Files and Californication. It will be exciting to see how his gruff, more stoic tone matches with Ryan's bubbly personality.
Related: David Duchovny Brings 'X-Files'-Themed Picket Sign to Strike
Who is the director of What Happens Later?
Meg Ryan is not only the star of What Happens Later, but also the movie's director. This is her second feature film after 2015's Ithaca, which starred her son, Jack Quaid, whose father is Dennis Quaid.
Is there a trailer for What Happens Later?
Yes! The trailer, which delivers plenty of charming moments between the leads, arrived on Aug. 30, just in time for fall!
Is What Happens Later streaming?
While What Happens Later is not available to stream for free anywhere just yet, starting Nov. 28, it will be available to rent and buy on demand on platforms such as Google Play, Apple TV and Amazon Prime.
