Chris Pine in talks to star opposite Emma Stone in Universal rom-com ‘The Catch’

Chris Pine is reportedly in discussions to star opposite Emma Stone in Universal Pictures’ upcoming romantic comedy, The Catch, according to sources familiar with the project.

The film, described as a two-hander rom-com, is directed by Dave McCary and written by Patrick Kang and Michael Levin. Universal Pictures has not commented on the casting talks.

Emma Stone, a two-time Oscar winner, had been evaluating several projects since last fall, but she reportedly chose The Catch after reviewing a recent draft of the script. Once Stone committed to the project, multiple actors expressed interest in the lead opposite her. Following several meetings with executives and producers, Chris Pine emerged as the frontrunner for the role.

Production is being overseen by Universal’s Senior EVP of Production Development Erik Baiers and Creative Executive Jacqueline Garell. Producers include Shawn Levy and Dan Levine through 21 Laps, Michael H. Weber, and potentially Stone, McCary, and Ali Herting via Fruit Tree, which secured a first-look deal with Universal in 2024.

Chris Pine, best known for his roles in the Star Trek franchise, recently received critical acclaim for his performance in Carousel, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The drama also stars Jenny Slate and Katey Sagal. Pine is represented by CAA, Brillstein Entertainment Partners, and Gendler, Kelly & Cunningham.

With casting nearing completion, The Catch is expected to be Emma Stone’s next film, positioning both Stone and Pine in a highly anticipated romantic comedy for the studio.