A new baseball-themed romantic comedy is continuing to build an impressive cast.
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According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Saturday Night Live" breakout Ashley Padilla has joined Emma Stone and Chris Pine in The Catch, an upcoming film that blends baseball and romance in a story already drawing plenty of attention.
The movie is being directed by Dave McCary, the former "SNL" segment director who is also Stone's husband.
While many plot details remain under wraps, the project has been described as a mix of Bull Durham and Notting Hill — two films that have become classics in the sports and romantic comedy genres.
Stone is reportedly set to play what has been described as "the most hated woman in baseball," while Padilla will portray her sister.
Universal has scheduled the film for a May 2027 release.
For baseball fans, the Bull Durham comparison alone is enough to generate interest. The 1988 classic starring Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins remains one of the most beloved baseball movies ever made, and any project drawing comparisons to it is likely to attract attention.
Padilla's addition also gives the film another rising star.
After joining "Saturday Night Live" in 2024, she quickly emerged as one of the show's breakout performers, earning praise for her comedic timing and versatility. The role in The Catch is expected to mark her biggest studio film opportunity to date.
The project also brings together an accomplished creative team. Along with McCary directing, the film is being produced by Stone, McCary and Ali Herting through Fruit Tree, while Shawn Levy and Dan Levine are producing through 21 Laps.
Production is expected to begin in New York later this summer.
