Comic also co-writes and directs the movie

 Stephen Merchant is to star in a rom-com opposite Cameron Diaz.

The Office co-creator will direct the movie, which he scripted with John Butler, who previously wrote and directed on Merchant’s BBC comedy-thriller The Outlaws. 

According to Hollywood insider website Deadline, Merchant will play a workaholic Brit employed at an upscale New York hotel who needs a wife for appearances. 

Diaz plays a struggling stand-up comic who is desperate for health insurance. Together they strike a deal for a fake marriage which ends in an unexpected romance. 

 The as-yet untitled movie is being made for the Amazon MGM Studios. Producers include Seth Rogen and his long-time collaborator on projects such as The Studio and Superbad, Evan Goldberg, as well as Merchant himself. 

Published: 30 Jan 2026