The Wrong Girls (2026) - Movie News & Updates

Kristen Stewart and Dylan Meyer’s relationship has been a favorite topic for fans since they went public in 2019, but their new film The Wrong Girls marks the first time the married couple has actually worked together on a professional project. The comedy, which hits theaters on August 14, 2026, is directed by Meyer and stars Stewart in the lead role - a creative match that came together more organically than either of them anticipated.

According to production notes, Meyer was developing the script for years before she and Stewart ever discussed collaborating. The film follows two codependent best friends, Frankie and Molly, who live paycheck to paycheck and bong rip to bong rip, until a case of mistaken identity upends their chaotic lives. Stewart plays Frankie, with Alia Shawkat taking on the role of Molly. The supporting cast includes LaKeith Stanfield, Zack Fox, Tony Hale, Chris Estrada, Thomas La Barbera Christensen, and Thor Knai.

Meyer, who had previously written for television and short films, wrote the screenplay with a very specific energy in mind. The story leans into slapstick and stoner humor, but the emotional core is about friendship and the absurd ways people stumble into trouble. It was only after the script was mostly finished that Meyer thought about asking Stewart to read it.

Stewart, who has built a reputation for choosing unconventional roles, was immediately drawn to the dual challenge of the part. Frankie is described as a character who is both oblivious and fiercely loyal, and Stewart found the tonal balance in the writing compelling. She told the production team she wanted to play Frankie because the character felt messy in a way that was fun rather than tragic.

The decision to have Meyer direct was not a foregone conclusion either. Stewart had seen Meyer’s short films and knew she had a sharp comedic instinct, but the couple were careful to keep their personal and professional lives separate at first. Meyer eventually agreed to direct after multiple conversations with producers, who believed her vision was the only way to capture the film’s specific brand of deadpan chaos.

Once the collaboration was locked, the two had to navigate a new dynamic. Both have said in interviews that they were nervous about bringing their relationship onto a set, where their usual communication habits would be put to the test. Meyer, for her part, admitted that directing her wife was not as awkward as she feared. She described Stewart as being exceptionally coachable and said their shorthand actually made the process smoother, because they already understood each other’s rhythms.

Stewart echoed that sentiment, noting that the biggest challenge was not the working relationship itself but keeping the material grounded. Since the story is full of over-the-top scenarios, including a run-in with a character called Not Metal Head Dave, played by Stanfield, the actors had to trust Meyer’s guidance to keep the comedy from spiraling into pure absurdity. Meyer has said she wanted the film to feel like a hangout movie where the humor comes from character, not just situation.

The 99-minute runtime keeps the pacing tight, and the early buzz from test screenings has been positive, though the film has not yet received a formal review score. TMDb lists the movie at a 0/10 rating, which simply means insufficient data, not a reflection of quality. The studio is confident that the film will find an audience among fans of offbeat comedies, especially those who appreciate Stewart’s willingness to play against type.

This is not the first time Stewart has pushed her range. She has moved fluidly between indie dramas, blockbuster franchises, and genre experiments, but The Wrong Girls gives her a rare opportunity to play pure comedy without any dark undertones. That shift was important to her, as she has said in recent press that she wanted to make something light and silly after years of heavier material.

For Meyer, the film represents a major step forward in her directing career. She has been open about wanting to build a body of work that challenges expectations, and The Wrong Girls does that by mixing stoner comedy tropes with a female-driven friendship story. The casting of Shawkat, known for her work in Search Party and Arrested Development, adds another layer of credibility to the project, as she brings a naturalistic wit that complements Stewart’s more physical style.

The couple’s on-set collaboration also extended to post-production. Stewart, who has experience producing, stayed involved through the editing phase, offering notes that Meyer says were always sharp and focused on character consistency. The pair’s ability to separate work from home life was tested, but both have said the experience made them a stronger team.

As the release date approaches, the marketing has leaned into the idea of the film being a passion project for the couple. Early trailers highlight the frenetic energy and the chemistry between Stewart and Shawkat, while keeping Meyer’s directorial voice front and center. The film is being positioned as a summer comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously, a deliberate counterprogramming choice against larger studio releases.

The Wrong Girls will open in theaters nationwide on August 14, 2026. Whether it becomes a cult favorite or a broader hit remains to be seen, but for Stewart and Meyer, the project has already achieved its primary goal: proving they can make a movie together without losing their minds - or their romance.

Source: Hollywood Reporter