Javier Bardem, an Oscar winner known for his dramatic and romantic roles, and Kate Hudson, a two-time Oscar nominee, will headline the upcoming film Hello & Paris. This romantic comedy, inspired loosely by Deborah McKinlay’s novel That Part Was True, is set to charm audiences with its transatlantic love story that combines books and recipes in a heartfelt narrative.
Creative Team and Production Details Behind the Film
Elizabeth Chomko, acclaimed for her Sundance drama What They Had, will both write and direct Hello & Paris. The film has been optioned and will be produced by Finola Dwyer, a two-time Best Picture nominee known for Brooklyn, in collaboration with the studio Fifth Season. 193 will handle sales representation for the movie at the European Film Market in Berlin, where it will seek distribution and industry attention.
A Charming Tale Evoking Classic Romantic Comedies
Hello & Paris draws inspiration from beloved romantic classics like Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally, and You’ve Got Mail. The story follows a fiercely independent landscape architect and a bestselling novelist facing a personal crisis, who engage in a lively exchange of letters that spans continents and genres, revolving around shared passions for literature and cooking. Their initially prickly meeting in Paris sets the stage for discovering the complexities of choosing connection over solitude.
“After a prickly first encounter in Paris, a fiercely independent landscape architect and a crisis-ridden bestselling novelist begin a sparky, transatlantic exchange over books and recipes—only to discover that the one thing harder than being alone might be choosing not to be.” — Deborah McKinlay, Author
Actors’ Recent Work and Contributions to the Project
Hello & Paris marks Kate Hudson’s first major film following her Oscar nomination for her performance alongside Hugh Jackman in Craig Brewer’s Song Sung Blue. Javier Bardem, a four-time Oscar nominee, brings his rich experience from dramas and romantic films including Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Eat Pray Love to this new role. The casting promises a blend of gravitas and charm to the romantic story.
Producers and Industry Leaders Share Enthusiasm for the Film
Christopher Slager, Head of Film at Fifth Season, expressed strong confidence in the film’s potential:
“Elizabeth Chomko is a true generational talent, and we couldn’t be prouder to bring her brilliant adaptation to life in partnership with Finola Dwyer. Javier Bardem and Kate Hudson will sweep audiences off their feet. We can’t wait for the world to fall in love with this story the way we have.”
Patrick Wachsberger, President and CEO of 193, also highlighted the film’s relevance in today’s world:
“More so now than ever, I believe we are in need of stories that bring us all together, and Hello & Paris does just that. Visionary filmmaker Elizabeth Chomko has crafted a gorgeous love story, one that both fills the heart and delights the senses. With the incomparable duo of Javier Bardem and Kate Hudson in the lead roles, this film is reminiscent of the timeless classics we know and adore, but with a fresh twist – and a delicious dose of culinary indulgence. We are thrilled to be collaborating with the talented Finola Dwyer and distinguished studio Fifth Season to bring this incredible story to life.” — Patrick Wachsberger, President & CEO of 193
Representation and Industry Contacts Supporting the Project
The key creatives and actors are backed by notable agencies: Elizabeth Chomko is represented by CAA, Entertainment 360, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman; Javier Bardem’s representation includes WME and Goodman Genow Schenkman; Kate Hudson is also signed with CAA, Untitled, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman. This strong industry support underscores the project’s high profile and promising prospects.
Anticipated Impact and Industry Outlook for Hello & Paris
With its combination of veteran talent, both in front of and behind the camera, and a story designed to capture the spirit of classic romantic comedies while offering fresh perspectives, Hello & Paris is positioned to resonate with audiences worldwide. Its launch at the European Film Market anticipates strong interest from global distributors. As viewers continue to seek stories that blend emotional depth with warmth and connection, this film aims to fulfill that need and add a meaningful chapter to the rom-com genre.
