Chris Pine and Emma Stone Set a Date for Rom-Com The Catch

Universal Pictures is rolling the dice on 'The Catch,' a brand-new romantic comedy snagging a prime summer spot — May 21, 2027. Now, you might be wondering: who on earth plans their date nights three years in advance? Well, apparently Universal does. And they’re squeezing their rom-com right between some serious heavy-hitters. 'The Legend of Zelda,' making its live-action debut, drops on May 7, and a fresh 'Star Wars' movie — 'Star Wars: Starfighter' — hits theaters May 28. Sandwiched between elves and X-wings, 'The Catch' is aiming to lure in anyone not in the mood for fantasy or space dogfights.

Chris Pine — Back in Rom-Com Territory

Here’s where things get pretty fun: Chris Pine, who has spent the last decade or so zipping around as Captain Kirk and popping up in superhero blockbusters, is making a detour back to the genre that first made a lot of fans take notice. Pine is the leading man for 'The Catch,' and it sounds like he’s down to swap phasers for flirting, at least for one movie.

Emma Stone Joins In (And Brings Her Director Husband)

He’s not doing it solo, either. Pine’s co-star? None other than Emma Stone, slipping back into comedic romance mode after a few years of trying on heavier, artsier hats (thanks, Yorgos Lanthimos). If you’re scratching your head about why Stone might sign on, here’s the inside story: her husband, Dave McCary — best known for his work behind the scenes at 'Saturday Night Live' — is steering the ship as director on this one. If something about this feels a little bit like friends-and-family movie night, you’re not wrong.

The project is described as a 'two-hander' — so expect plenty of back-and-forth between Pine and Stone, with both sharing the spotlight.

The Upcoming Release Schedule (A Quick Cheat Sheet):

• May 7, 2027: 'The Legend of Zelda' live-action
• May 21, 2027: 'The Catch' (the rom-com in question)
• May 28, 2027: 'Star Wars: Starfighter'

Clearly, Universal wants a little counterprogramming magic. While everyone else is chasing nostalgia or blasting off for distant planets, 'The Catch' is banking on old-school chemistry and a little star power with Pine and Stone. Personally, I’m curious if a traditional romantic comedy can stand out in this lineup, especially with these two leads — but hey, at least this one isn’t about saving the galaxy.

It’s early days, and details are pretty thin (plot, literally anything beyond the leads — your guess is as good as mine). But between the casting and the wild timing, this one is worth keeping an eye on. If Universal does drop anything new — a plot tease, a trailer, even a behind-the-scenes selfie — I’ll keep you posted.