Legendary filmmaker James L. Brooks is reflecting on the creative journey behind Ella McCay, his first feature film in 15 years. The Oscar-winning writer-director joined Deadline’s Crew Call podcast to discuss the upcoming 20th Century Studios political dramedy, set to release on December 12, and the inspiration behind its story, characters, and tone.
Brooks, known for shaping modern storytelling through films like Terms of Endearment and Broadcast News, said he spent roughly four years developing the screenplay—though he joked he may be underestimating the time. The film centers on a lieutenant governor who suddenly becomes governor and navigates the pressures of leadership while grappling with complicated men in her life, including her “knuckleheaded” husband.
A Real Political Moment Sparked the Story
Brooks said the idea began while speaking with a former U.S. governor who shared an unexpectedly emotional memory.
“The governor had forgotten to thank the mate on inauguration and it was still a raw wound,” Brooks recalled. “That was key for me.”
The filmmaker said the anecdote captured how personal relationships and public duty collide, shaping the core of Ella McCay.
Why Brooks Cast Emma Mackey
Brooks also spoke about taking a chance on rising star Emma Mackey, known for Sex Education and Emily, after a lengthy global search.
He described the British actress as a breakout talent whose ability to portray emotional complexity impressed him. Casting her, he said, was part of his effort to retain artistic ambition despite a film industry heavily influenced by streaming metrics.
“These days, data dictates what gets made to a larger extent than we’ve ever had,” Brooks said. “Just to get somebody to support you and make the movie—you better appreciate it.”
Brooks credited a studio executive at Disney’s 20th Century Studios for championing the project, saying he read the script twice immediately—something Brooks had never experienced before.
War Stories from ‘I’ll Do Anything’
The director also reflected on his famously troubled 1994 project I’ll Do Anything, originally conceived as a musical starring Nick Nolte, Albert Brooks and Julie Kavner. After disastrous early test-screenings, Brooks was forced to recut the film entirely into a straight comedy.
“It was murder, man. Murder. As bad as it gets,” he said, recalling critics panning the reworked version, which later flopped with a $10.4 million domestic box office.
Despite the setback, Brooks emphasized that the experience shaped his resilience as a filmmaker.
Will Fans Have to Wait Another 15 Years?
Brooks hinted that he isn’t done yet.
“I do have some notes. I swear,” he said with a laugh, suggesting more stories are already in the works.
As Ella McCay heads toward release, the filmmaker remains focused on telling human stories that reflect real emotional conflict—no matter the industry challenges.
