James L. Brooks, one of the creative minds behind The Simpsons, has finally made a new movie for the first time in fifteen years. Known for making some of the most creative and beautiful romantic comedies, Brooks last contributed to cinema with How Do You Know, which starred Owen Wilson and Reese Witherspoon, among others.

The filmmaker has some excellent movies in his body of work. Terms of Endearment featured John Lithgow, Shirley MacLaine, and Jack Nicholson, and it went on to win five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Broadcast News is still considered one of the strongest and funniest movies about journalism ever made.

Brooks was then instrumental in his work with Matt Groening, getting the most rewatchable episodes of The Simpsons off the ground after the concept debuted on The Tracey Ullman Show. After so many years away from directing movies, it is exciting to see that the excellent filmmaker is finally returning to the big screen.

James L. Brooks’ Ella McCay Releases On December 12

Ella McCay stars Barbie and Sєx Education star Emma Mackey as the тιтular protagonist, who reconnects with her family while preparing to take on a new role as her state’s governor. The cast of the film includes Jamie Lee Curtis, Woody Harrelson, Kumail Nanjiani, and Jack Lowden, among many others.

The trailer for Ella McCay was released recently, and it looks like a wonderful return to the kind of comedy that is underseen in 2025. Blending drama, humor, and an incredible cast, the first look at the upcoming film suggests an excellent return to form for Brooks after the disappointing performance of How Do You Know.

Even more exciting, the film sees Julie Kavner, the voice of Marge Simpson, return in a live-action role for the first time in nearly 20 years. Kavner was last seen in the 2006 Adam Sandler comedy Click, and appears in the new film as Estelle, who credits herself as the narrator in the film’s new trailer.

Ella McCay promises to be a rich and enjoyable comedy when it is released in December, but it could also go on to be an awards player. The December release and the director’s history with films like As Good As It Gets and Terms of Endearment make this a distinct possibility.

Whether or not the movie goes on to reap awards attention, Ella McCay looks to be a charming, thoughtful, and emotional time at the cinemas. Appealing to an underserved adult audience, the new movie looks ready to tug at the heartstrings when it releases on December 12.