Celine Song, the visionary filmmaker behind the critically acclaimed Past Lives, is making her highly anticipated return to the big screen with Materialists. Produced by A24, the film promises to be a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre, featuring an all-star cast led by Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal. Mark your calendars—Materialists is set to hit theaters nationwide on June 13, 2025, coinciding with Chris Evans’ birthday. With its intriguing premise and powerhouse team, this film is already generating significant buzz.
A Matchmaker’s Dilemma
Materialists centers on a young and ambitious New York City matchmaker, played by Dakota Johnson, who finds herself caught in a romantic conundrum. Torn between her seemingly perfect match and her imperfect ex, she must navigate the complexities of love, self-discovery, and the expectations of modern relationships. While details about her character remain under wraps, the premise teases a heartfelt exploration of connection and choice.
Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal round out the central love triangle. Evans’ role as the “perfect match” is expected to showcase his charm and comedic timing, while Pascal’s portrayal of the “imperfect ex” promises emotional depth and relatability. With such a compelling narrative and dynamic cast, Materialists is poised to deliver a fresh perspective on romantic tropes.
The Visionary Behind the Camera
Celine Song’s directorial debut Past Lives earned her two Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay at the 96th Academy Awards. The film was lauded for its poignant storytelling and emotional resonance, cementing Song as one of Hollywood’s most exciting new voices. However, Materialists marks a departure from the introspective drama of Past Lives, venturing into the lighter yet equally nuanced territory of romantic comedy.
Song not only directed but also wrote and produced Materialists, reuniting with producers Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler of Killer Films and David Hinojosa of 2Am. This collaboration ensures that her distinct voice will shine through every aspect of the film.
In an industry often dominated by formulaic rom-coms, Song’s involvement promises a fresh take on the genre. Her ability to balance humor with emotional complexity is likely to set Materialists apart as both entertaining and thought-provoking.
A Stellar Ensemble Cast
Beyond its leading trio, Materialists boasts an impressive supporting cast that includes Zoë Winters (Succession), Marin Ireland (The Umbrella Academy), Dasha Nekrasova (Succession), and Louisa Jacobson (The Gilded Age). While their roles have not been disclosed, their inclusion adds depth and diversity to an already captivating lineup.
Each actor brings a unique energy to the project. Johnson’s effortless charisma, Evans’ versatility, and Pascal’s ability to blend humor with gravitas make them an ideal trio for this romantic comedy. Their chemistry will undoubtedly be one of the film’s highlights.
A24’s Winning Streak
As one of Hollywood’s most innovative production companies, A24 has built a reputation for championing bold storytelling across genres. From horror hits like Hereditary to critically acclaimed dramas like Everything Everywhere All at Once, A24 consistently delivers films that challenge conventions while resonating with audiences.
With Materialists, A24 continues its tradition of genre expansion. The studio has already proven its ability to elevate romantic narratives with films like Past Lives, which grossed over $42 million worldwide. By pairing Song’s creative vision with its resources and expertise, A24 is setting Materialists up for both critical acclaim and box office success.
Behind-the-Scenes Magic
Filming for Materialists began in April 2024 in New York City and wrapped just two months later in June. Pedro Pascal marked the occasion with an Instagram post captioned “Moon me,” celebrating the completion of production alongside his co-stars. The quick turnaround speaks to Song’s efficiency as a director while maintaining her meticulous attention to detail.
The decision to release the film on June 13—Chris Evans’ birthday—adds a playful layer of marketing appeal. Fans are already buzzing about how this date aligns with Evans’ role in what could become one of summer 2025’s most talked-about films.
Will Cannes Come Calling?
Though unconfirmed, rumors suggest that Materialists could make its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025 before its wide release in June. If true, this would mark another milestone for Song, whose debut feature premiered at Sundance in 2023. A Cannes debut would also position Materialists as both a crowd-pleaser and a critical darling heading into awards season.
Why ‘Materialists’ Matters
Romantic comedies often face criticism for being predictable or overly sentimental, but Materialists aims to break that mold. By exploring themes of modern love through a diverse cast and a nuanced script, it seeks to resonate with audiences on multiple levels. Song’s track record suggests that she will bring depth and authenticity to a genre often overlooked for its artistic potential.
Moreover, the casting of Johnson, Evans, and Pascal reflects Hollywood’s growing commitment to pairing star power with meaningful storytelling. Their collective appeal ensures that Materialists will draw fans from across demographics while introducing them to Song’s unique cinematic voice.
Conclusion: A Date Worth Saving
With its compelling premise, talented cast, and visionary director at the helm, Materialists is shaping up to be one of summer 2025’s must-see films. Whether you’re drawn by Dakota Johnson’s charm, Chris Evans’ comedic chops, or Pedro Pascal’s emotional depth—or simply curious about Celine Song’s next masterpiece—this romantic comedy promises something for everyone.
Mark your calendars for June 13—it might just be the day you fall in love with cinema all over again.