At the London premiere of Ella McCay on November 25, 2025, Jamie Lee Curtis, 65, didn’t just promote a film—she revealed something deeply personal. Speaking to HELLO! magazine on the red carpet, the Oscar-winning actress confessed she’d “fallen in love” with her co-star, Emma Mackey, 29. Not romantically, of course—but in the way you fall for someone who makes you feel seen, safe, and strangely, younger all at once.
The First Day at Jim’s House
Curtis recalled meeting Mackey on the very first day of rehearsals—at director James L. Brooks’s home. No studio, no cameras, just tea and awkward small talk. "I met her the first day at Jim’s house," Curtis said, her voice softening. "And I fell in love with her, honestly." It wasn’t about looks or fame. It was the way Mackey listened—really listened—and laughed without hesitation. "She’s so warm," Curtis added. "You don’t have to perform around her. You just… are." Mackey didn’t hold back either. "Jamie’s a force of nature," she told reporters, adjusting her emerald-green dress. "She’s generous with her energy, her time, her jokes. You walk onto set knowing you’re not alone. That’s rare." The chemistry wasn’t staged. It was forged over lunch breaks, between takes, in the quiet moments before cameras rolled.How Their Bond Shaped the Film
In Ella McCay, set in 2008, Curtis plays a seasoned political strategist who becomes an unlikely guardian to Mackey’s ambitious, idealistic congressional aide. The script called for tension, but the performances carried something deeper: trust. "I didn’t have to fight for the relationship," Mackey said. "It was just there. Like it had always been." Curtis admitted the bond directly influenced her portrayal. "I wasn’t just acting like a protector," she explained. "I *was* protecting her. In real life, I felt it. So on screen, it came out without me trying." Brooks, known for his emotionally precise storytelling, noticed it too. "It would be impossible to tell this story today," he told the Guardian in a separate interview, "because we don’t like each other anymore. We’ve forgotten how to be kind on set."
A Legacy of Protecting Younger Stars
Curtis has a history of stepping into maternal roles—both on and off camera. She first bonded with Lindsay Lohan during the 2003 filming of Freaky Friday, when Lohan was 15. Their connection lasted beyond the sequel, Freakier Friday, released in 2025. Both women now share motherhood: Lohan welcomed her son Luai in July 2023; Curtis has two adult children, Annie Grantham Guest, 38, and Ruby Guest, 29. "We’ve stayed in contact our whole lives," Curtis told People. "It’s not about fame. It’s about who you are when no one’s watching." That same instinct guided her with Mackey. "I’ve seen young actors get chewed up by this business," Curtis said. "I didn’t want that for her. So I made sure she knew: You’re not alone."The Ensemble That Made It Work
The film’s strength didn’t come from just one pair. The ensemble cast—Woody Harrelson, Rebecca Hall, Ayo Edebiri, and Jack Lowden—brought layers of complexity. Curtis joked about Lowden: "He’s handsome. Nice. On screen? A total jerk." The contrast, she said, made their scenes more electric.Produced by Sony Pictures and shot across London and Washington D.C., Ella McCay explores what it means for ambitious women to navigate politics, family, and self-doubt. As Rolling Out noted, it’s not just a political drama—it’s a quiet rebellion against the idea that women must choose between power and compassion.
What Comes Next
With a December 2025 theatrical release, Ella McCay arrives at a moment when Hollywood is still wrestling with toxicity, ageism, and the erosion of genuine collaboration. The film’s success may hinge on its performances—but its resonance? That comes from the truth Curtis and Mackey brought with them."It’s not about the movie," Mackey said, as cameras flashed around them. "It’s about what happens when two people decide to be kind. That’s the story worth telling."
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Jamie Lee Curtis and Emma Mackey have a romantic relationship?
No, Curtis clarified her statement was about emotional connection, not romance. She described falling "in love" in the way one loves a deeply supportive friend—someone who makes you feel safe and seen. Mackey echoed this, calling their bond "like family," not romantic.
Why is their relationship significant in Hollywood?
In an industry often criticized for ageism and cutthroat competition, their mutual respect stands out. Curtis, a veteran, actively nurtured Mackey, a rising star—mirroring her past support for Lindsay Lohan. Their dynamic challenges the notion that mentorship must be transactional, offering a model of authentic, non-exploitative collaboration.
What’s the film 'Ella McCay' really about?
Set in 2008, the film follows a young political aide (Mackey) mentored by a seasoned strategist (Curtis) navigating corruption, gender bias, and personal sacrifice. It’s less about politics and more about emotional resilience—how women support each other when systems are stacked against them. Director James L. Brooks called it a tribute to "the quiet courage of women who refuse to be silenced."
How did James L. Brooks contribute to their connection?
Brooks fostered a rehearsal-heavy, low-pressure environment, insisting cast members spend time together before filming. He reportedly told them: "Don’t act like you know each other. Become each other." His approach created space for real bonds to form—something he believes is rare in today’s fast-paced productions.
Is this similar to Jamie Lee Curtis’s relationship with Lindsay Lohan?
Yes. Curtis first became a mentor to Lohan during Freaky Friday in 2003, when Lohan was 15. They’ve remained close for over two decades, even after the 2025 sequel. Both women now bond over motherhood and the pressures of fame. Curtis sees Mackey as continuing that legacy—protecting young talent not out of obligation, but out of genuine care.
When will 'Ella McCay' be released?
The film is scheduled for theatrical release in December 2025, distributed by Sony Pictures. Early screenings are expected in select U.S. and UK cities in late November, ahead of the wide release. Critics are already calling it a potential awards contender, particularly for Curtis and Mackey’s performances.
