Ansel Elgort and Shirley MacLaine Team Up for the Road Trip Comedy Lucy Boomer Directed by Howard Deutch
Hollywood is gearing up for a lively new road trip comedy titled Lucy Boomer, bringing together Ansel Elgort of Baby Driver fame and legendary Oscar-winner Shirley MacLaine, known for films like Steel Magnolias. The movie will be directed by Howard Deutch, the filmmaker behind classics such as Pretty in Pink and Some Kind of Wonderful. With this combination of seasoned talent and fresh energy, the project is already generating strong industry buzz.
Lucy Boomer is based on the novel of the same name by Russell Hill, which you can find on Amazon.
The screenplay adaptation is written by Ron Cutler and Mark Steven Johnson, the latter known for films like Grumpy Old Men. Production is expected to kick off in February in New Mexico, marking the start of what looks to be a heartfelt yet humorous cinematic journey.
The story centers on Jack Ritchie, played by Elgort, a struggling writer who works as a community college instructor to make ends meet. Jack thinks he’s finally catching a break when Lucy Boomer, portrayed by MacLaine — a 93-year-old former secretary (and possibly more) to four U.S. Presidents — agrees to be interviewed for his upcoming book. In return, Lucy insists that Jack help her escape from her nursing home in Santa Fe and drive her back to her longtime home in North Dakota.
Their unusual deal sets the stage for a road trip filled with sharp humor, emotional beats, and unexpected twists. Along the way, Jack and Lucy pick up Anna, a spontaneous and free-spirited hitchhiker who shakes up their dynamic. However, the journey soon becomes more complicated when a local detective begins tracking them down, adding an element of pursuit to the comedy-drama blend.
Behind the camera, the film is backed by a strong producing team. Dan Grodnik, known for Fast Charlie and Heist, leads the production. He is joined by Alan Mintz (We Broke Up), Mike Marcus (The Ward), Mark Steven Johnson, and Michael Benaroya, the co-founder of International Film Trust (IFT) and CEO of Benaroya Pictures. IFT will also manage worldwide sales rights, introducing the film to buyers at the American Film Market, a significant platform for global distribution deals. More about IFT’s slate can be explored through industry resources such as Screen Daily.
Benaroya expressed excitement about the project, emphasizing its combination of a compelling story, a proven director, a rising star in Elgort, and the undeniable screen presence of MacLaine. According to him, these ingredients make Lucy Boomer particularly appealing to distributors.
In terms of representation, Elgort is represented by CAA and Brookside Artist Management, while MacLaine is represented by CAA. Writer Mark Steven Johnson is repped by Michael Kagan at Range Media Partners, underscoring the high-profile talent associated with the project.
With its promising cast, seasoned creative team, and engaging premise, Lucy Boomer looks set to become a notable addition to the road trip comedy genre. As filming begins and more updates emerge, audiences can look forward to a blend of humor, nostalgia, and heartfelt storytelling driven by two charismatic leads on an unconventional adventure.
