Rebecca Ferguson has cemented her status as a sci-fi icon with hits like Silo and the Dune trilogy, but her next project is a bold departure into the unpredictable world of romantic comedy. The actress, who first captured audiences as the fierce Ilsa Faust in Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation, is now set to headline Honeymoon/Funeral, a film that promises to blend laughter and tears in equal measure.
The movie, directed by Nahnatchka Khan (Totally Killer) and written by Julia Bicknell (Yellowjackets), also stars Greta Lee (Past Lives) and Carrie Coon (The Gilded Age). Ferguson and Lee play two strangers who meet on a flight from Los Angeles to London—one is heading to her honeymoon alone after being jilted at the altar, while the other is traveling to her mother's funeral. It's a setup ripe for both comedic mishaps and heartfelt moments.
With Silo and Dune both nearing their conclusions, fans are eager to see what Ferguson tackles next. Fortunately, Greta Lee recently offered a tantalizing glimpse into what to expect. During an interview about her acclaimed film Late Fame, Lee couldn't contain her enthusiasm for Honeymoon/Funeral, describing her co-stars as "dreamy" and heaping praise on Bicknell's script.
"They are as dreamy as you would expect. So excited, the script was amazing, and I couldn't be more pleased to find that it was even more funny, heartbreaking, and even sexier than I thought it could potentially be."
Lee's comments suggest that Honeymoon/Funeral will be a rom-com that doesn't shy away from emotional depth, a quality that has become a hallmark of her own recent work. In Late Fame, Lee stars alongside Willem Dafoe as Gloria Gardner, a charismatic actress who crosses paths with a retired poet (Dafoe) rediscovering his passion for art. The film has been praised for its charm and wit, and Lee's performance is a standout.
Interestingly, Lee revealed that she wasn't the first choice for the role of Gloria. In a recent conversation, she confirmed that Sandra Hüller, who is set to appear in Avengers: Doomsday, was originally attached to the part. Lee admitted she was already a fan of the project before joining, having been drawn to the work of screenwriter Samy Burch and producers Christine Vachon and Pamela Koffler, all of whom she collaborated with on Past Lives.
"I was really taken with Samy in particular and her work from May December," Lee explained. "I had heard of the film, but it wasn't something I was hoping to be a part of because it was already fully cast." She continued, "Sandra Hüller, who I adore and is a friend, was already attached to play Gloria Gardner, and I was more invested in the movie as a consumer. I was really excited to see the film, having been a longtime fan of Willem's as well. It was a complete and total surprise. I got a call saying that they wanted me for Gloria, and I said 'What happened?' I read it and I totally fell in love with the film and the vision and what Samy had written, but specifically with Gloria. It was like a love-at-first-sight scenario."
For those who can't wait for Honeymoon/Funeral, Lee's recent work offers a taste of her romantic range. Late Fame is currently available on home release and is a must-watch for fans of Lee's nuanced performances. And if you're curious about Ferguson's other projects, you might want to check out her alien-inspired thriller Life, which is leaving Tubi soon.
As for what's next for Lee, she's expressed interest in trading sci-fi for a Western period piece, a move that would certainly showcase her versatility. But for now, all eyes are on Honeymoon/Funeral, which is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated rom-coms in recent memory.
