Hollywood is gearing up for one of the most anticipated releases of the year as “Materialists,” a romantic comedy directed by Celine Song, hits U.S. theaters on June 13. Starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, the film promises to captivate audiences with its take on a love triangle set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City. The first trailer, unveiled on March 18, offers a glimpse into a lighthearted yet poignant story about Lucy, an ambitious matchmaker torn between a flawed ex-boyfriend and a seemingly perfect suitor. Following the critical success of Song’s debut “Past Lives,” which earned over 42 million dollars worldwide, “Materialists” is poised to blend humor, romance, and relatable dilemmas, backed by A24’s distinctive storytelling and a powerhouse cast.
Dakota Johnson plays Lucy, a high-end matchmaker whose professional finesse contrasts with her personal romantic struggles. Chris Evans portrays John, her ex-boyfriend who reenters her life as a waiter at one of her events, stirring up old feelings, while Pedro Pascal brings to life Randy, a wealthy and charming man who appears to be her ideal match. Filmed on location in New York from April to June 2024, the movie captures the city’s eclectic energy, from upscale venues to gritty streets. The supporting cast, featuring Zoe Winters, Marin Ireland, Dasha Nekrasova, Louisa Jacobson, and Sawyer Spielberg, adds depth to the narrative. With production by Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler of Killer Films and David Hinojosa of 2AM, “Materialists” is set to be a standout release, distributed by A24 in the U.S. and Sony Pictures internationally.
While the U.S. premiere is locked for June, Brazil’s release date remains pending confirmation from Diamond Films, A24’s local partner. Building on the momentum of “Past Lives,” which nabbed two Oscar nominations in 2023, including Best Picture, Song’s sophomore effort shifts gears to a more comedic tone. The trailer has already sparked buzz, hinting at a film that balances witty exchanges with emotional stakes. As anticipation builds, “Materialists” is shaping up to be a must-see, leveraging Song’s rising star power and a trio of A-list actors to draw crowds worldwide.
Behind the scenes and cast spotlight
Lucy’s romantic crossroads in New York
At the core of “Materialists” is Lucy, played by Dakota Johnson, a matchmaker who excels at pairing New York’s elite but falters in her own love life. The trailer teases her dilemma as she reconnects with John, brought to life by Chris Evans, whose earnest plea—“When I see your face, I see wrinkles and kids who look like you”—hints at unresolved history. Meanwhile, Pedro Pascal’s Randy dazzles as a “unicorn, an impossible fantasy,” per Lucy’s own words, offering stability and allure. Shot across Manhattan and beyond, the film juxtaposes lavish settings with everyday moments, reflecting Lucy’s inner tug-of-war between passion and practicality in a story that feels both intimate and universally relatable.
Celine Song’s evolution from Past Lives
Celine Song, the South Korean-born filmmaker based in the U.S., made waves with her 2023 debut “Past Lives,” a Sundance standout that grossed 11.3 million dollars domestically and over 42 million globally. Now, with “Materialists,” she takes on writing, directing, and producing once more, reteaming with David Hinojosa of 2AM and Killer Films’ Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler. Known for her work as a playwright in New York before transitioning to film, Song infuses her latest project with a fresh perspective, trading the slow-burn drama of her first movie for a brisk, comedic pace. The choice of New York as a setting underscores her connection to the city’s cultural pulse.
Production timeline and insights
Road to release: key milestones
The journey of “Materialists” from concept to screen follows a tight schedule, culminating in its June premiere:
- February 2024: A24 announces the film, confirming Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal as leads.
- April 2024: Filming kicks off in New York, wrapping up by June after roughly two months.
- March 18, 2025: The debut trailer drops, sparking early excitement.
- June 13, 2025: U.S. theatrical release, with Sony Pictures handling international rollout.
This timeline reflects a streamlined process, capitalizing on Song’s momentum to deliver a polished product in just over a year.
Supporting cast and filming highlights
Beyond the headline trio, “Materialists” boasts a robust ensemble. Zoe Winters of “Succession” fame and Marin Ireland from “The Umbrella Academy” lend seasoned talent, while Dasha Nekrasova, Louisa Jacobson, and Sawyer Spielberg—son of Steven Spielberg—bring fresh faces. Filming took place across real New York locations, capturing the city’s diversity from ritzy Upper East Side haunts to humbler corners. The trailer showcases a wardrobe that mirrors the characters’ contrasts, with John’s casual attire clashing against Randy’s polished look, enhancing the visual storytelling.
Anticipation and cultural reach
Trailer insights and story hints
Unveiled on March 18, the “Materialists” trailer paints Lucy as a woman disillusioned with romance, quipping, “We promise them love, but the math doesn’t add up.” It blends humor—awkward run-ins at swanky events—with heartfelt exchanges, suggesting a depth beneath the rom-com surface. Japanese Breakfast’s original score adds a modern vibe, aligning with Song’s knack for pairing music with mood. The plot appears to probe Lucy’s choice between security and desire, a theme that echoes “Past Lives” but with a lighter, more audience-friendly spin.
How it stacks up against Past Lives
Unlike the reflective drama of “Past Lives,” which traced a decades-long bond between childhood friends, “Materialists” dives into a present-day romantic tangle with a comedic edge. Where the former earned five Golden Globe nods and three BAFTA nominations, the latter aims for broader appeal with its star-studded cast and genre shift. Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal elevate the film’s commercial prospects, building on Song’s proven ability to craft stories that resonate globally while exploring personal crossroads.
Box office potential and global rollout
With A24 steering the U.S. release and Sony Pictures managing international markets, “Materialists” is primed for success. Its June debut taps into the summer movie season, standing out amid action-heavy fare with its focus on human connection. In Brazil, Diamond Films, which distributed A24 hits like “Hereditary” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” is expected to align its release close to the U.S. date. Given “Past Lives”’ haul and the draw of its leads, the film could rival or surpass its predecessor’s 42-million-dollar global take, bolstered by Song’s growing reputation and A24’s marketing savvy.

Hollywood is gearing up for one of the most anticipated releases of the year as “Materialists,” a romantic comedy directed by Celine Song, hits U.S. theaters on June 13. Starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, the film promises to captivate audiences with its take on a love triangle set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City. The first trailer, unveiled on March 18, offers a glimpse into a lighthearted yet poignant story about Lucy, an ambitious matchmaker torn between a flawed ex-boyfriend and a seemingly perfect suitor. Following the critical success of Song’s debut “Past Lives,” which earned over 42 million dollars worldwide, “Materialists” is poised to blend humor, romance, and relatable dilemmas, backed by A24’s distinctive storytelling and a powerhouse cast.
Dakota Johnson plays Lucy, a high-end matchmaker whose professional finesse contrasts with her personal romantic struggles. Chris Evans portrays John, her ex-boyfriend who reenters her life as a waiter at one of her events, stirring up old feelings, while Pedro Pascal brings to life Randy, a wealthy and charming man who appears to be her ideal match. Filmed on location in New York from April to June 2024, the movie captures the city’s eclectic energy, from upscale venues to gritty streets. The supporting cast, featuring Zoe Winters, Marin Ireland, Dasha Nekrasova, Louisa Jacobson, and Sawyer Spielberg, adds depth to the narrative. With production by Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler of Killer Films and David Hinojosa of 2AM, “Materialists” is set to be a standout release, distributed by A24 in the U.S. and Sony Pictures internationally.
While the U.S. premiere is locked for June, Brazil’s release date remains pending confirmation from Diamond Films, A24’s local partner. Building on the momentum of “Past Lives,” which nabbed two Oscar nominations in 2023, including Best Picture, Song’s sophomore effort shifts gears to a more comedic tone. The trailer has already sparked buzz, hinting at a film that balances witty exchanges with emotional stakes. As anticipation builds, “Materialists” is shaping up to be a must-see, leveraging Song’s rising star power and a trio of A-list actors to draw crowds worldwide.
Behind the scenes and cast spotlight
Lucy’s romantic crossroads in New York
At the core of “Materialists” is Lucy, played by Dakota Johnson, a matchmaker who excels at pairing New York’s elite but falters in her own love life. The trailer teases her dilemma as she reconnects with John, brought to life by Chris Evans, whose earnest plea—“When I see your face, I see wrinkles and kids who look like you”—hints at unresolved history. Meanwhile, Pedro Pascal’s Randy dazzles as a “unicorn, an impossible fantasy,” per Lucy’s own words, offering stability and allure. Shot across Manhattan and beyond, the film juxtaposes lavish settings with everyday moments, reflecting Lucy’s inner tug-of-war between passion and practicality in a story that feels both intimate and universally relatable.
Celine Song’s evolution from Past Lives
Celine Song, the South Korean-born filmmaker based in the U.S., made waves with her 2023 debut “Past Lives,” a Sundance standout that grossed 11.3 million dollars domestically and over 42 million globally. Now, with “Materialists,” she takes on writing, directing, and producing once more, reteaming with David Hinojosa of 2AM and Killer Films’ Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler. Known for her work as a playwright in New York before transitioning to film, Song infuses her latest project with a fresh perspective, trading the slow-burn drama of her first movie for a brisk, comedic pace. The choice of New York as a setting underscores her connection to the city’s cultural pulse.
Production timeline and insights
Road to release: key milestones
The journey of “Materialists” from concept to screen follows a tight schedule, culminating in its June premiere:
- February 2024: A24 announces the film, confirming Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal as leads.
- April 2024: Filming kicks off in New York, wrapping up by June after roughly two months.
- March 18, 2025: The debut trailer drops, sparking early excitement.
- June 13, 2025: U.S. theatrical release, with Sony Pictures handling international rollout.
This timeline reflects a streamlined process, capitalizing on Song’s momentum to deliver a polished product in just over a year.
Supporting cast and filming highlights
Beyond the headline trio, “Materialists” boasts a robust ensemble. Zoe Winters of “Succession” fame and Marin Ireland from “The Umbrella Academy” lend seasoned talent, while Dasha Nekrasova, Louisa Jacobson, and Sawyer Spielberg—son of Steven Spielberg—bring fresh faces. Filming took place across real New York locations, capturing the city’s diversity from ritzy Upper East Side haunts to humbler corners. The trailer showcases a wardrobe that mirrors the characters’ contrasts, with John’s casual attire clashing against Randy’s polished look, enhancing the visual storytelling.
Anticipation and cultural reach
Trailer insights and story hints
Unveiled on March 18, the “Materialists” trailer paints Lucy as a woman disillusioned with romance, quipping, “We promise them love, but the math doesn’t add up.” It blends humor—awkward run-ins at swanky events—with heartfelt exchanges, suggesting a depth beneath the rom-com surface. Japanese Breakfast’s original score adds a modern vibe, aligning with Song’s knack for pairing music with mood. The plot appears to probe Lucy’s choice between security and desire, a theme that echoes “Past Lives” but with a lighter, more audience-friendly spin.
How it stacks up against Past Lives
Unlike the reflective drama of “Past Lives,” which traced a decades-long bond between childhood friends, “Materialists” dives into a present-day romantic tangle with a comedic edge. Where the former earned five Golden Globe nods and three BAFTA nominations, the latter aims for broader appeal with its star-studded cast and genre shift. Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal elevate the film’s commercial prospects, building on Song’s proven ability to craft stories that resonate globally while exploring personal crossroads.
Box office potential and global rollout
With A24 steering the U.S. release and Sony Pictures managing international markets, “Materialists” is primed for success. Its June debut taps into the summer movie season, standing out amid action-heavy fare with its focus on human connection. In Brazil, Diamond Films, which distributed A24 hits like “Hereditary” and “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” is expected to align its release close to the U.S. date. Given “Past Lives”’ haul and the draw of its leads, the film could rival or surpass its predecessor’s 42-million-dollar global take, bolstered by Song’s growing reputation and A24’s marketing savvy.
