Full Breakdown
New Film “The Girlfriend” Begins Production with Meghann Fahy, Glenn Howerton, and Director Natalie Morales
6/24/2026, 1:43:40 AM
Production Overview
The Girlfriend, a feature film directed by Natalie Morales, will star Meghann Fahy and Glenn Howerton. The screenplay is co-written by Howerton and Rich Appel. Appel, a three-time Emmy winner, brings animated series experience to the project. Principal photography begins on June 29, 2026. Financing is provided by IPR.VC, Paris-based Vixens, and the EU’s InvestEU Fund. XYZ Films will handle global sales, with domestic representation by WME. The project is produced in association with BuzzFeed Studios and 21 Laps.
Background
Fahy earned Emmy nominations for *The White Lotus* and *Sirens* and recently appeared in *Drop* and the Peacock series *The Good Daughter*. Howerton co-created and stars in *It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia*, previously collaborated with Fahy on *Sirens*, and earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for *BlackBerry*. Morales has acted in *Grey’s Anatomy*, *The Morning Show* and *Parks and Recreation*, and directed *Plan B* and *Language Lessons*. Appel, a three-time Emmy winner, is known for his long-term role on *Family Guy*. The narrative centers on Claire’s move to Alabama and her husband’s covert plan to hire an escort as her companion.
Key Personnel & Companies
Director Natalie Morales is represented by CAA and Bleecker Street Entertainment. Fahy is represented by WME and Anonymous Content; Howerton by WME, 3 Arts Entertainment, Sloane, Offer, Weber and Dern. Production partners include XYZ Films, 21 Laps (Shawn Levy, Dan Levine), Zoe Knife Productions (Jill Howerton, Glenn Howerton), Persons Unknown (Rich Appel), and BuzzFeed Studios. Executive producers number twelve, among them Josh Kunau, Maxime Cottray, Aram Tertzakian, Andrea Scarso, Timo Argillander, John Straley, R. Wesley Sierk, Gary Farkas, Clement Lepoutre, Olivier Muller, Bertrand Perrodo, and Emily Feher (21 Laps). The financing blend unites U.S. venture capital with European Union support, reflecting a production model.
Why It Matters
The EU’s InvestEU Fund participation illustrates a cross-border investment in a U.S. feature, reflecting growing European interest in American independent film. The project also unites television talent with established film production resources, potentially expanding audience reach for the involved creators.
Official Statements
XYZ Films confirmed its role in worldwide sales and domestic co-representation through WME; BuzzFeed Studios noted its partnership, expanding its portfolio into feature-film production.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No contradictions appear in the sources; distribution plans and release timing remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quote
> “Claire gives up her perfect New York City life and moves to Alabama for her husband Elliot’s (Howerton) dream job. Seeing her isolated, friendless, and unhappy, Elliot does what any loving husband would do: he secretly hires an escort (Fahy) to be her new best friend.” — Film logline
What’s Next
Production proceeds after the June 29 start, with post-production schedules to be announced and release details pending.
