When it comes to theatrically released films that successfully pair politics and romantic comedies, you can probably count the number of successes on one hand. However, that is what exactly what director Jonathon Levine is attempting in “Long Shot,” the upcoming political rom-com starring Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron.
Though Rogen and Theron may seem like an unlikely pairing for a romantic comedy, initial reviews from the SXSW premiere indicate that they may have a surprising amount of chemistry on-screen. This is especially unexpected when considering that a light-hearted romantic comedy is new territory for Theron, who is better known for her dramatic roles in action films such “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015) or crime dramas such as “Monster” (2003), for which Theron won the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Working alongside comedy veteran Seth Rogen, this may be an opportunity for Theron to show a different side of her acting abilities. Considering that the story is centered on a US Secretary of State falling for a quirky writer, the pairing of Rogen’s lovable goofiness with Theron’s steely intensity may be able to sell what initially seemed like a far-fetched storyline. Here’s the official synopsis:
Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen) is a gifted and free-spirited journalist with an affinity for trouble. Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron) is one of the most influential women in the world. Smart, sophisticated, and accomplished, she’s a powerhouse diplomat with a talent for…well, mostly everything. The two have nothing in common, except that she was his babysitter and childhood crush. When Fred unexpectedly reconnects with Charlotte, he charms her with his self-deprecating humor and his memories of her youthful idealism. As she prepares to make a run for the Presidency, Charlotte hires Fred as her speechwriter, much to the dismay of her trusted advisors. A fish out of water on Charlotte’s elite team, Fred is unprepared for her glamorous lifestyle in the limelight. However, sparks fly as their unmistakable chemistry leads to a round-the-world romance and a series of unexpected and dangerous incidents.
While the film had been set for release in peak summer on June 7, it has been moved up to May 3 after receiving largely positive reviews at advance screenings. This shows ambition by the producers at Lionsgate, as this places the opening weekend for “Long Shot” one week after the release of “Avengers: Endgame,” which is expected to be a major record-breaking blockbuster.
“Long Shot” will hit theatres on May 3, 2019. Check out the second official trailer below.