Colin Firth, Julianne Moore and Laura Linney join forces for unconventional romance comedy

Sharon Maguire directs Colin Firth, Julianne Moore and Laura Linney in love triangle comedy 'The Joy of Sex'

Director Sharon Maguire has assembled a star-studded cast for The Joy Of Sex, a new comedy exploring the surprising story behind the famous 1970s relationship and sexuality manual.

The filmmaker, best known for Bridget Jones’s Diary and Bridget Jones’s Baby, is directing the unconventional love triangle comedy starring Oscar winners Colin Firth and Julianne Moore alongside Oscar nominee Laura Linney.

Production on The Joy Of Sex has begun in the UK, with the film focusing on the real-life events behind the creation of the bestselling 1972 book of the same name. The popular sex manual became a cultural phenomenon, selling more than 15 million copies worldwide and spending 70 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list.

According to Deadline, the film follows the complicated relationship between British science professor Alex Comfort, his wife Ruth and her close friend Jane. The story explores the decade-long romantic triangle that helped inspire the creation of the groundbreaking book, which changed conversations around love, intimacy and relationships.

Firth will portray Alex Comfort, while Linney plays his wife Ruth and Moore takes on the role of Jane. The cast also includes David Tennant, Jason Watkins and Vicky Krieps.

Written by Sharon Maguire and Lise Mayer, The Joy Of Sex is produced by Monumental Films, Seven Stories Film & TV and Kinescope Pictures. Embankment Films is handling global sales, while Lionsgate will distribute the film in the UK and Wild Bunch will release it in German-speaking territories.

Maguire described the movie as a surprising, emotional and humorous exploration of the unconventional relationship behind one of the world’s most recognisable sexuality guides.