The European Film Market (EFM) is buzzing with excitement as Natalie Portman and Lena Dunham’s upcoming romantic comedy, Good Sex, sparks a fierce bidding war among major studios and streaming platforms. With Warner Bros., Amazon, Apple, and Netflix in the mix, worldwide offers have already soared past the $45 million mark, and industry insiders predict that number could climb even higher.
A Star-Studded Collaboration
Academy Award winner Natalie Portman is set to headline Good Sex, a project written and directed by Golden Globe winner Lena Dunham. The film, which has captured the attention of both theatrical distributors and streaming giants, was introduced at EFM by CAA Media Finance and FilmNation Entertainment, drawing strong interest at an otherwise quiet market.
The film’s production team features heavy hitters in the industry, with Portman and Sophie Mas producing under their MountainA banner, alongside Dunham and Michael Cohen through their company, Good Thing Going. This collaboration marks a significant creative partnership between two influential female filmmakers.
Plot Details: A Modern Love Story
Described as a timely and engaging romantic comedy, Good Sex follows Ally (Portman), a successful couples’ therapist who, after spending a decade in a failed relationship, is reluctantly pushed back into the chaotic New York dating scene as she approaches her 40th birthday.
Ally finds herself torn between two contrasting romantic prospects: a passionate fling with a 20-something Brooklyn hipster and a promising relationship with Alan, a successful 50-something Manhattanite. As she struggles to navigate these two vastly different relationships, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting her own desires and identity crisis before risking the loss of both men. Casting for the two male leads is currently underway.
The Hype and Market Response
Industry buyers and insiders have praised Dunham’s script for its sharp wit and contemporary themes, placing Good Sex alongside other recent age-gap romances like Babygirl and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, which have gained popularity. The film’s exploration of modern dating dynamics, self-exploration, and the complexities of attraction has resonated strongly with potential distributors.
This project also marks a significant moment for Portman, who has long admired Dunham’s work and was inspired by her debut feature, Tiny Furniture. The collaboration between these two celebrated creatives has only heightened anticipation for the film.
Upcoming Projects for Portman and Dunham
Portman, known for her roles in Black Swan and May December, has several projects in the pipeline, including Guy Ritchie’s Fountain of Youth and Cathy Yan’s The Gallerist, both in post-production. Meanwhile, Girls creator Dunham is finishing work on the Netflix mini-series Too Much, starring Will Sharpe and Megan Stalter.
With a stellar creative team, an engaging storyline, and strong market interest, Good Sex is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated romantic comedies of the year. As the bidding war intensifies, all eyes are on which studio or streamer will secure the distribution rights.
Stay tuned for further updates as casting announcements and release details unfold.
