Comedian Chris Fleming and model-actor Irina Shayk have joined the cast of The Catch, Universal Pictures‘ upcoming baseball-themed romantic comedy starring Emma Stone and Chris Pine. The pair become the latest additions to the film’s expanding ensemble, which has steadily grown since the project was first announced. While details about their characters remain under wraps, their casting further strengthens one of Universal’s most anticipated romantic comedies currently in production.
Plot details have largely been kept secret, and Universal has yet to reveal how Fleming and Shayk fit into the story. That secrecy, however, has done little to dampen interest in the project, which continues to attract attention thanks to its high-profile cast, experienced creative team and the pairing of Academy Award winner Emma Stone with Chris Pine.
The film marks Fleming’s second major comedy project with Universal. He also stars in The Comeback King, directed by Judd Apatow and produced alongside Glen Powell, which is scheduled for release on February 5. Securing roles in two studio comedies within a relatively short period reflects Fleming’s growing presence in both stand-up comedy and mainstream film.
Fleming has enjoyed a busy year on the stand-up circuit, headlining multiple performances at Just for Laughs Montreal, where he received the Comedy Performance of the Year award. He also earned an Emmy Award nomination for his HBO special Chris Fleming: Live at the Palace. Alongside the special, he has toured with solo shows including Chris Fleming Live, Showpig, Boba Everyday, and Tricky Tricky. His debut stand-up special, Hell, is currently streaming on Peacock, adding to an increasingly diverse body of work across live performance and television.
Beyond stand-up, Fleming has appeared in Apple TV+’s Widow’s Bay, along with guest roles in Abbott Elementary and Loot. His feature film credits include The Last Laugh, starring Richard Dreyfuss and Chevy Chase, giving him experience across stand-up, television and scripted film projects.
Shayk, meanwhile, is best known internationally for her modelling career and her appearance in Hercules. Over the years, she has appeared on more than 150 magazine covers, including over 50 editions of Vogue, and became the first Russian model to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She has also fronted campaigns for several leading luxury fashion brands, and her casting represents another step in her transition into feature films.
The Catch is directed by Dave McCary from a screenplay by Jen Statsky and Travis Helwig, based on a spec script by Patrick Kang and Michael Levin. The project is produced by Emma Stone, Dave McCary, and Ali Herting through Fruit Tree, alongside Shawn Levy and Dan Levine for 21 Laps. The combination of an accomplished creative team and an increasingly notable ensemble has made the project one of Universal’s closely watched productions.
Alongside Stone and Pine, the cast also includes Tim Robbins, Sissy Spacek, Ashley Padilla, and Druski, bringing together Academy Award winners, established dramatic performers and rising comedic talent. The blend of experienced actors and newer voices suggests the film is aiming for a broader tonal range than a conventional romantic comedy.
Universal has scheduled The Catch for a theatrical release on May 21, positioning it as one of the studio’s major spring releases. With its baseball backdrop, expanding ensemble cast and experienced filmmaking team, the romantic comedy continues to build momentum ahead of its debut, while the additions of Chris Fleming and Irina Shayk further broaden a cast that already features some of Hollywood’s most recognisable names.
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