Ashley Padilla Boards Emma Stone & Chris Pine Rom-Com 'The Catch'

Ashley Padilla is stepping into her next major film role.

The 33-year-old Saturday Night Live performer has signed on to star alongside Chris Pine and Emma Stone in the upcoming Universal romantic comedy The Catch. Dave McCary, who is married to Stone, will helm the project, which kicks off production in July in New York.

The screenplay comes from Hacks co-creator Jen Statsky and Adam Ruins Everything writer Travis Helwig, building on an earlier draft by Patrick Kang and Michael Levin. The rom-com draws inspiration from classic sports and romantic comedy elements, with Stone's character described as "the most hated woman in baseball" — a mashup of Bull Durham and Notting Hill sensibilities.

Padilla will portray the sister of Stone's lead character. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on May 21, 2027.

Stone and McCary made a joint appearance at the 2026 Producers Guild Awards in Los Angeles earlier this month, held at Fairmont Century Plaza. The couple has been together for six years.

McCary previously worked as a writer and segment director on Saturday Night Live before transitioning behind the camera. His directorial debut, Brigsby Bear, premiered in 2017.

Pine joined the project back in February. The actor has a long history with romantic comedies, having launched his film career with a leading role in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. Recent reports indicate he'll also appear in an upcoming third installment of that franchise.