Director Donald Petrie has been tapped to helm The Last Resort, a romantic comedy set in the Philippines. The script is written by Karen McCullah, known for her work on iconic rom-coms such as 10 Things I Hate About You and Legally Blonde.
Petrie, who has an extensive history in the rom-com genre, is best known for directing Miss Congeniality, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and Mystic Pizza. He also directed the classic comedy Grumpy Old Men and received an Emmy nomination for his work on the television series L.A. Law.
McCullah, originally from the Philippines and raised in the U.S., has written other hit films like She’s the Man, Ella Enchanted, The Ugly Truth, and The House Bunny.
The Last Resort centers on a hotel executive sent to the Philippines to scout a new resort location. As she explores the stunning landscapes and connects with the locals, she meets Ben, a charming expatriate charter pilot, sparking a romantic journey.
Sheila Jaffe Casting is overseeing the casting process, which has just begun. The film is expected to begin production early this year.
Producers Ernesto “Bong” Sta. Maria Jr. and Raja Collins, known for True Memoirs of an International Assassin and Mermaid, are leading the project. Simon Heo, Akshay Mehta, and Rick Dugdale will co-produce, while Manuel V. Pangilinan will serve as executive producer.
Asia Pacific Films is financing and producing the film. The producers are represented by Glenn Feig of Reder & Feig, while Petrie is represented by Gersh and Michael Tenzer Law.
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