Regé-Jean Page & Halle Bailey to Lead Universal’s Rom-Com Movie Italianna

Regé-Jean Page (Bridgerton) and Halle Bailey (The Little Mermaid) have officially been tapped for the leading roles in the upcoming Italianna movie for Universal Pictures. Further details about its plot and characters are still being kept under wraps, but it will reportedly be a romantic comedy.

Who else is involved in Italianna?

Italianna will be directed by Kat Coiro (She-Hulk, Matlock), who previously collaborated with Universal Pictures on 2022’s Jennifer Lopez-led rom-com Marry Me. The film is written by Ryan Engle, based on an original idea by Ryan Engle and Kristin Engle. It is produced by Will Packer and Johanna Byer for Will Packer Productions as part of their first-look deal with Universal Pictures. The project will be overseen by Erik Baiers and Jacqueline Garell for Universal, along with Alvie Hurtado for Will Packer Productions.

Page most recently starred in Focus Features’ spy thriller movie Black Bag, which was led by Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender. He is currently attached to lead Amazon MGM Studios’ untitled Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid-inspired series, which has been in development since 2022. The Bridgerton breakout had also recently been cast in a new film adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte Cristo novel, which he will also be producing.

As for Bailey, this marks her latest movie project, after nearly two years since her back-to-back performances in 2023’s The Little Mermaid and The Color Purple. The Grammy nominee is also best known for her role as Sky Forster in ABC’s Blackish spin-off series Grown-ish.

(Source: Deadline)