20th Century Studios is set to release the James L. Brooks-directed ELLA MCCAY on VOD and digital platforms later this month, arriving on January 27th, 2026. The following week, it will make its SVOD debut, launching on Hulu on February 5th, 2026. The film launched in US theaters on December 12th, 2025.
The studio also announced the film’s Blu-ray will arrive at retail on March 3, 2026.
Ella McCay is written and directed by James L. Brooks. It stars Emma Mackey as the title character, with Woody Harrelson, Kumail Nanjiani, Spike Fearn, Ayo Edebiri, Jack Lowden, Rebecca Hall, Julie Kavner, Becky Ann Baker, Joey Brooks, Albert Brooks, and Jamie Lee Curtis in supporting roles.
In the film, an idealistic young politician juggles familial issues and a challenging work life while preparing to take over the job of her mentor, the state’s longtime incumbent governor.
Here’s the full release from the studio with details:
BURBANK, CA (January 22, 2026) – Sharing the story of family life in all its challenging and comedic moments – plus everything in between – 20th Century Studios’ Ella McCay arrives on Digital including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home on January 27, then streams exclusively on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers in the U.S., and on Disney+ internationally starting February 5. The film will also be available on Blu-ray as of March 3.
After a long stint producing movies such as The Edge of Seventeen and Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret as well as long-standing series work on The Simpsons, James L. Brooks felt the need to channel his energy into writing an original story again. “My goal for this movie was to pay tribute, as best I could, to the golden age of movie comedy, the 1940s and 50s…the challenge all along was to maintain the same zany spirit of that era, while still taking seriously the inevitable jolts, pains and pitfalls of being human,” Brooks explains. While Brooks’ screenplay delves into early life trauma and its long-lasting effects, Ella McCay is essentially about recognizing love and creating a sense of family wherever we are lucky enough to find it, no matter how complicated the characters in that family may be.
20th Century Studios’ Ella McCay invites viewers to follow a path of human drama with welcome detours into unexpected comedic moments, leading to the heart-warming destination that reveals “there is no opposite word for trauma, but hope comes close.”
Film Synopsis
Ella McCay follows an idealistic young woman juggling her less-than-perfect family with her passion for her work. From writer-director James L. Brooks, this fresh and heartwarming comedy is about the people you love and how to survive them.
Ella McCay features an all-star cast including Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jack Lowden, Kumail Nanjiani, Ayo Edebiri, Spike Fearn, Rebecca Hall, Julie Kavner, Becky Ann Baker, Joey Brooks with Albert Brooks and Woody Harrelson. The film is produced by James L. Brooks, p.g.a., Richard Sakai, p.g.a., Julie Ansell, p.g.a., Jennifer Brooks.
Digital & Blu-ray Bonus Features*
Deleted Scenes:
- You Win, We Lose
- Forget About The Union Rep
- I Love Girl
- No More Interruptions
- Make Your Family Whole
- A Small Concussion
- Hazel Bottomless
- You Got Him Out
- Nice Family
Bloopers
Featurettes:
- A James L. Brooks Film: Go behind the scenes as the film’s star-studded cast and crew share their joy of working with acclaimed writer-director James L. Brooks. Experience Brooks’ singular gift for creating beloved, memorable movie moments — and what it’s like to hear him laugh.
- In Good Company: The Cast Of Ella McCay: Sit down with James L. Brooks as he talks about his extraordinary cast and as the actors share their respect and appreciation for Brooks — and each other. Hear about the casting process that created heartfelt chemistry both on set and onscreen.
*Bonus features vary by product and retailer
We’ve added the release dates to our Streaming Calendar. Check out the home release trailer below.