Oh, the perils of being a female filmmaker in Hollywood. Finally making her directorial debut after a lifetime in front of the camera with 2009’s charming “Whip It,” Drew Barrymore has struggled to launch a feature length follow-up and though she is returning to the romantic comedy well, it’s not in the manner one would hope.
Way back in 2011, Barrymore attached herself as a director to the adaptation of rom-com novel “How To Be Single” by Liz Tuccillo. Here we are nearly three years later and though Barrymore is still producing—through her Flower Films—she has since vacated the director’s chair and Variety reports up-and-comer Christian Ditter will now helm the film for New Line. And because that year isn’t busy enough, the film has been scheduled for a 2015 release with shooting set for next year.
Don’t fret though, Barrymore still has some skin in the romantic comedy game in the form of “Blended,” her third team-up with Adam Sandler, following “The Wedding Singer” and “50 First Dates.” The trailer has arrived online and confirms our worst fears and makes a clear-cut case for diminishing returns. Convoluted premise? Check. Our two leads at seemingly opposite ends? Check. Promise for a heartwarming resolution? You bet. The only question is whether audiences still want to see Barrymore and Sandler together as it’ll be ten years since the last time the two shared a kiss on the big screen. “Blended” arrives in theaters next summer on May 23rd. Check out the trailer below.