Warner Bros. Swoops In to Save the Star-Studded Film Netflix Scrapped

Nancy Meyers is finally getting her big, glossy rom-com back on track. Two years after Netflix walked away from her movie over a budget standoff, Warner Bros. Pictures has stepped in to finance what is now back to being called 'Paris Paramount.' If you remember the whole dust-up, this was the project that sparked those eye-roll headlines about a nine-figure budget for a romance. A very studio-politics kind of wrinkle, but here we are.

So what actually happened

Back in 2023, Netflix exited the film after clashes over money. Meyers reportedly wanted $150 million for her feature directorial return, while Netflix would only go to $130 million. Now, per World of Reel, Warner Bros. Pictures is aboard to fund the movie. The outlet says this move seemed to suggest Meyers might get her preferred budget, but its sources also say the final number is likely closer to $100 million. In short: the studio is writing the check, but the sticker price may land below the $150 million figure that started the whole fight.

Where things stand now

• Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures is financing, per World of Reel.
• Budget: Reported to end up around $100 million, despite earlier talk of $150 million.
• Timeline: Production is expected to begin in early 2026 in Los Angeles.
• Creative: Nancy Meyers will write, produce, and direct.
• Casting: Before Netflix bailed, Owen Wilson ('Zoolander'), Michael Fassbender (the 'X-Men' movies), Scarlett Johansson, and Penelope Cruz (both from 'Vicky Cristina Barcelona') were attached. It has been more than two years since that version, and the word now is that Meyers is recasting some roles. No one is officially in… yet.

What is 'Paris Paramount' actually about?

The movie is described as semi-autobiographical: it follows a filmmaker and a producer who used to be a couple and creative partners, then broke up both personally and professionally, and are forced to team up again for a high-stakes new project. That last bit opens the door for the kind of star-on-star fireworks Meyers loves.

'The film follows a talented young writer-director who falls in love with a producer, with the pair making several successful films before calling it quits romantically and professionally. The two are forced back together, however, when a great new project arises, and they find themselves teamed up again and having to deal with high stakes and volatile stars.'

Why this matters for Meyers fans

This is the long-awaited feature directorial comeback for Meyers, whose last movie was 2015's 'The Intern' with Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro. Her track record is basically the rom-com Hall of Fame: 'Private Benjamin,' 'The Parent Trap,' 'Father of the Bride,' 'What Women Want,' and 'Something's Gotta Give.' The scale being discussed here is unusually big for the genre, which makes the budget chatter both eyebrow-raising and, clearly, very real.

Bottom line: Warner Bros. Pictures is in, the budget is big (just how big is still being sorted), and cameras are aiming to roll in early 2026 in Los Angeles. Casting is the next shoe to drop, and given the pedigree, expect some A-list movement once those offers go out.