Magnolia Pictures has acquired U.S. rights to Maddie’s Secret, a comedy marking the feature directorial debut of comedian, writer and actor John Early, who also plays the title role. Garnering critical acclaim when it opened the Discovery Section of this year’s Toronto Film Festival, the film will be released in theaters in 2026.
Maddie’s Secret follows Maddie, a plucky dishwasher who leaps to viral superstardom at a trendy food content creation company. While her life seems picturesque — complete with an adoring husband (Eric Rahill), a ride-or-die best friend (Kate Berlant) and a cupboard full of woman-owned, ethically sourced chili crisp to boot — mounting professional pressures reawaken her long-dormant struggle with an eating disorder. Unwilling to shatter her image, Maddie unravels quietly, in secret, threatening her relationships and even her life.
Rooted in homage to the old-school “movie of the week,” the film also stars Claudia O’Doherty, Conner O’Malley, Vanessa Bayer, Leah Hennessey, Emily Allan, Ruby McCollister, Pat Regan, Dominique Witten, Chris Bauer and Kristen Johnston.
The film was produced by Harris Mayersohn for Dogma 3000 (Rap World), Luca Intili (I Saw the TV Glow), and Early, and executive produced by Chris Quintos Cathcart and Tyler Boehm for Unapologetic Projects, Hannah Dweck and Theodore Schaefer for Dweck Productions, Sarah Herrman for Whetstone Pictures, Deb Tam for Radish, Matthew Rosenthal, and Marissa Heringer.
On the acquisition, Early said, “I cannot imagine a more chic or dignified home for Maddie’s Secret than Magnolia Pictures. I will burst into tears when I see the title card for the first time.”
Magnolia Pictures co-CEOs Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley added, “As superfans of John Early, our collective jaws were on the floor watching his totally unique weaving of sacred homage and profane sendup. We can’t wait for audiences to experience this cinematically masterful, uproarious work.”
SVP of Acquisitions John Von Thaden negotiated the deal for Magnolia Pictures, with UTA Independent Film Group repping the filmmakers.