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Ella McCay has finally set a streaming release date to find a new audience. Distributed by Disney's 20th Century Studios, the dramedy was released in theaters this past December 12 and bombed at the box office despite its relatively star-studded cast, grossing just $4.
56 million against its $35 million budget. Now, over a month after bombing at the box office, Ella McCay is coming to Disney+ and Hulu on February 5. Just before that, it will also be released on digital platforms for purchase or rental on January 27, followed by Blu-ray and DVD on March 3. Written, directed, and produced by three-time Oscar winner James L. Brooks , Ella McCay stars Emma Mackey as the titular character, an idealistic and ambitious lieutenant governor who is surprisingly promoted to governor of an unnamed state, causing her stressful career to clash with her chaotic family life. Other than Emma Mackey in the titular role, Ella McCay's cast also includes Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Lowden, Kumail Nanjiani, Emmy winner Ayo Edebiri , Spike Fearn, Julie Kavner, Rebecca Hall, Oscar nominee Albert Brooks , three-time Oscar nominee Woody Harrelson, Becky Ann Baker, Sheetal Sheth, Joey Brooks, and seven-time Emmy winner Tracey Ullman. In addition to bombing at the box office, Ella McCay received largely negative reviews, resulting in a 23% Rotten Tomatoes score, with critics claiming that, despite its good intentions, the comedy about a woman striving to have it all lacks focus and tonal control, ultimately leaving little that truly works or stands out. Ella McCay was received slightly better by the few who saw it in theaters, indicated by its 57% audience score, who were easily charmed by the titular character, though the film's sincere yet outdated approach undercut the spark of genuine rebellion it introduces, preventing it from ever fully taking shape. Ella McCay had one of Disney's worst debuts ever at the box office and followed that up with a huge second weekend drop. Though James L. Brooks wrote and directed classic films like Terms of Endearment , Broadcast News , and As Good as It Gets – which were all big box office hits – his movies are simply no longer the type of entertainment that connects with audiences in the modern theatrical landscape. Subscribe to our newsletter for streaming film insights Unlock smarter streaming context by subscribing to our newsletter — coverage of box-office surprises like Ella McCay, cast and director perspective, and thoughtful takes that give clear, focused context for streaming decisions. Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime. However, Ella McCay can hopefully find a new audience at home on streaming, where James L. Brooks' type of talky adult-oriented prestige dramedies tend to thrive. 8.0/10 Ella McCay 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Like Follow Followed PG-13 Comedy Drama Release Date December 11, 2025 Runtime 115 minutes Director James L. Brooks Writers James L. Brooks Producers Julie Ansell, Richard Sakai, James L. Brooks, Jennifer Brooks, Francine Maisler Cast See All Powered by Expand Collapse
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