10 Things I Hate About You actor Julia Stiles is taking the romance film genre into her own hands, making her feature directorial debut with the upcoming movie Wish You Were Here, based on the novel by Renée Carlino. Stiles has assembled an impressive cast for the film, starring Orphan actor Isabelle Fuhrman and Aladdin star Mena Massoud, along with Dirty Dancing legend Jennifer Grey and Frasier legend Kelsey Grammer.
“A fascinating movie about leaving the everyday world behind to take a chance on true romance,” the official synopsis for the movie reads. “When the perfect night with a perfect stranger ends suddenly the next morning, Charlotte searches for answers and meaning in her disappointing life until she uncovers a secret that changes everything.”
[L-R] Isabelle Fuhrman as “Charlotte” and Mena Massoud as “Adam” in the romance film WISH YOU WERE HERE, a Lionsgate release (Lionsgate)
As we see in the newly released trailer for the film, Charlotte (Fuhrman) begins a whirlwind romance with Adam (Massoud), coming to an abrupt end when when Adam says the relationship isn’t as serious for him as Charlotte thought. Confused about what happened and why he stopped talking to her, Charlotte finds out that Adam is sick.
Director/Co-Writer Julia Stiles behind the scenes of the romance film WISH YOU WERE HERE, a Lionsgate release (Lionsgate)
“I’ve been wanting to direct my own movie for a while, and finally found it with this,” Stiles said in an interview with People.
“When I read Wish You Were Here, it broke my heart — but that good cry where you are laughing through tears, and you’re reminded how amazing life can be.”
Jennifer Grey as “Mom” in the romance film WISH YOU WERE HERE, a Lionsgate release (Lionsgate)
Fuhrman told Deadline earlier this year that she feels “grateful” that Stiles wanted her to lead Wish You Were Here.
“Watching her create her own romance film- a genre she knows better than anyone else- has really inspired me,” Fuhrman told Deadline.
[L-R] Isabelle Fuhrman as “Charlotte” and Kelsey Grammer as “Dad” in the romance film WISH YOU WERE HERE, a Lionsgate release (Lionsgate)
Wish You Were Here will be released in theatres Jan. 17, 2025.