Universal Pictures has released the first trailer for Finding Emily, a new romantic comedy led by Angourie Rice and Spike Fearn. The film will launch in UK cinemas on May 22, 2026, followed by a United States release on August 28, 2026. Directed by Alicia MacDonald, the movie presents a modern, chaotic search for love set against a British university backdrop.
The Story Behind The Search
The plot centers on a classic romantic mistake with Gen-Z flair. A lovesick musician named Owen, played by Spike Fearn, meets his dream girl but is given an incorrect phone number. Rather than give up, he partners with an ambitious psychology student, portrayed by Angourie Rice, to track her down. Their mission sparks a campus-wide frenzy, drawing in fellow students and causing a series of humorous misunderstandings.
As the hunt for the mysterious Emily escalates, the two main characters find their own hearts and ambitions tested along the way. The story promises a mix of awkward encounters, romantic near-misses, and the emotional chaos of young adulthood. The film is described as carrying the spirit of beloved British rom-coms like Bridget Jones’s Diary and Notting Hill, but for a new generation.
Meet The Cast And Creative Team
The film is led by two rising stars. Angourie Rice is best known for her role as Betty Brant in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Spider-Man films and her part in the 2024 musical Mean Girls. Her co-star, Spike Fearn, has gained recognition for his performances in critically acclaimed films such as Aftersun and the 2024 sci-fi hit Alien: Romulus. The supporting cast includes Minnie Driver, Ella Maisy Purvis, and Yali Topol Margalith.
Finding Emily marks the feature film directorial debut for Alicia MacDonald. The screenplay was written by Rachel Hirons, known for A Guide to Second Date Sex. The movie comes from the iconic production company Working Title Films, the force behind classic British romances like Love Actually and Bridget Jones’s Diary. Producers include Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner for Working Title, alongside Olivier Kaempfer for Parkville Pictures.
The film is produced for Working Title by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, whose films, including Bridget Jones, About Time, Love Actually, Notting Hill among others, have earned 14 Academy Awards.
Film Production And Setting
Principal photography for Finding Emily took place in Manchester, England, between August and September 2024. The choice of a Northern English city provides a fresh backdrop for the campus-centered story, moving away from the more typical London settings of many British films.
The production is a collaboration between Working Title Films and Parkville Pictures. Focus Features holds the worldwide distribution rights and will release the film in the United States. For international audiences outside the U.S., Universal Pictures International will handle the distribution.
Global Release Schedule For Moviegoers
The release of Finding Emily is staggered across different regions. Audiences in the United Kingdom and Ireland will be the first to see the film when it arrives in theaters on Friday, May 22, 2026.
Moviegoers in the United States and Canada can expect the film to debut later in the summer, on Friday, August 28, 2026. This strategic release places the romantic comedy at the end of the summer movie season. Worldwide release dates for other major territories, including Australia, India, and across Europe, are expected to be announced closer to the UK premiere date.
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Trailer Highlights And First Look
The newly released trailer introduces the core premise. It shows Spike Fearn’s character, Owen, as a romantic musician determined to find a connection. Angourie Rice’s character, a pragmatic and driven student, agrees to help him, applying her psychology skills to the search.
The preview highlights the comedic chaos that ensues, with scenes of the duo questioning students across campus, leading to growing rumors and escalating antics. The trailer also hints at the developing chemistry between the two leads, suggesting their own partnership might become the central romance of the story. The tone matches the described “hilarious campus-wide frenzy” of the official synopsis.
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