Naomie Harris, Joel Fry, and Jameela Jamil are set to headline the upcoming film “Lola and Freddie.” Billed as a British reimagining of the 2012 hit “Celeste and Jesse Forever,” this romantic comedy will be directed by Dean Craig, known for his work on Netflix’s “Love, Wedding, Repeat.” Olivia Lee will also star in Lola and Freddie.
Bankside Films, a renowned player in the global film industry, is handling worldwide sales for the project. The film, scheduled to shoot on location in London, will make its debut at the European Film Market in Berlin.
The storyline of “Lola and Freddie” revolves around a couple who, once inseparable and deeply in love, find themselves navigating a divorce in their 40s. Lola thrives in her career, while Freddie continues to chase his dream of becoming a screenwriter. When Freddie lands a significant opportunity with a major studio and rekindles an old flame, both characters are forced to confront their past and question whether they may still be in love.
The film’s synopsis highlights the central dilemma: “With Freddie’s change in fortune, Lola starts to miss a life she thought she no longer wanted. With newly separate worlds colliding again, Lola and Freddie are forced to confront the uncomfortable truth that they might still be in love with each other. But a major development in Freddie’s life means it may be too late to salvage their relationship.”
Dean Craig expressed his excitement, saying, ““I absolutely loved ‘Celeste & Jesse Forever,’ so when I read Peter Howitt’s script for the U.K.-set reimagining I was delighted to see he’d managed to retain the comedic and soulful essence of the original and at the same time create something that feels utterly new and unique, and totally English.”
He continued, “Naomie and Joel are the perfect Lola and Freddie, and it’s a privilege to get to work with this phenomenally talented cast, and fantastic producers. I think we have the elements in place to make a very special film.”
Producers Lee Nelson and David Tish of Envision Media Arts (EMA) are on board, with Christopher Simon of New Sparta Productions also producing. Stephen Kelliher and Sophie Green of Bankside Films serve as executive producers.
Lee and Tish shared their enthusiasm, stating, “’Celeste and Jesse Forever’ put us on the map 10 years ago, and we’re thrilled to be diving back into this universally appealing story.”
Producers Lee Nelson and David Tish of Envision Media Arts (EMA) are on board, with Christopher Simon of New Sparta Productions also producing. Stephen Kelliher and Sophie Green of Bankside Films serve as executive producers.