Tim Robbins, Sissy Spacek Join Emma Stone and Chris Pine in ‘The Catch’ — Robbins’ First Film Role in Seven Years

UPDATE: Completely passed me by, but this is actually Robbins’ first film role in seven years. His last big-screen performance was in Todd Haynes’ 2019 film “Dark Waters.” While he stepped away from films during that period, he did return to the screen with a role in Apple TV+’s hit sci-fi series “Silo.”

EARLIER: Universal Pictures recently dated “The Catch” for May 21, 2027—a summer release and a strong sign of confidence in this non-IP romcom starring Emma Stone and Chris Pine.

The ensemble has now been rounded out for this film, with Tim Robbins, Sissy Spacek, Ashley Padilla and Druski now added to the cast.

Robbins and Spacek are always welcome in any film they’re in, both consummate acting veterans. Robbins is best known for his understated work in “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Mystic River” and “The Player,” while expanding his impact behind the camera by directing “Dead Man Walking.” Spacek has built an immense reputation of her own, most famously through “Carrie,” “Badlands,” “In the Bedroom” and “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” which earned her an Oscar.

Now, what is “The Catch” actually about? The trades keep saying plot details are under wraps and that it will tackle baseball. However, we here know what it’s about. Stone will portray a baseball fan who accidentally touches a ball at the wall, turning it into a home run and costing her team a crucial game. The film follows her navigating the unexpected attention, backlash and overwhelming guilt over her catch.

In other words, Stone’s character will most likely be loosely inspired by the infamous Steve Bartman, whose moment of infamy became a national talking point and a lasting symbol of fan involvement gone wrong.

So, what could possibly entice Stone to take on this project, which happens to be her first rom-com in over a decade? Well, “The Catch” is directed by Dave McCary—who also happens to be Stone’s husband. Makes sense. McCary has directed only one other film in his career—2017’s “Brigsby Bear,” which, truth be told, was a small-scale and amusing Sundance indie.

Stone is a two-time Oscar winner, not to mention a six-time acting nominee, and she’s only 37. Coming off “Bugonia,” and with her go-to director—Yorgos Lanthimos—taking a much-needed break, she probably had an assortment of promising projects to choose from. Now, we know what’s next for her.