Netflix is expanding its comedy slate with Aunt Roxie, an upcoming original film from acclaimed screenwriter Johnny Rosenthal (Bad Santa 2). The project, which was quietly acquired by the streamer earlier this month, will be produced by Ryan Reynolds’ company, Maximum Effort and veteran producer Amy Williams.
While few plot details have been released, the film centers around a free-spirited woman whose world collides with responsibility when she takes on babysitting duties for her rigid sister’s children. The setup is ripe for family-friendly mayhem, emotional resonance, and Rosenthal’s trademark dark humor.
Entertainment journalist Maya Corcoran described the project as:
“A comedic collision of chaos and heart — Aunt Roxie sounds like a perfect fit for Netflix’s growing library of smart, character-driven comedies.”
Introduction to Aunt Roxie
Aunt Roxie marks another step in Netflix’s continued investment in mid-budget, talent-driven comedies — a genre the platform has been reviving with titles like Family Switch, You People, and The Out-Laws.
Created and written by Johnny Rosenthal, the film’s tone is expected to balance heartfelt family dynamics with sharp comedic timing. Rosenthal, who previously penned Bad Santa 2 and recently sold Christmas in Paradise to Amazon MGM Studios, has built a reputation for blending edgy humour with emotional storytelling.
| Film Title | Aunt Roxie |
|---|---|
| Writer/Creator | Johnny Rosenthal (Bad Santa 2) |
| Genre | Comedy, Family |
| Production Companies | Maximum Effort, Netflix |
| Producers | Ryan Reynolds, Amy Williams |
| Current Status | Pre-production |
| Estimated Release | Late 2026 – Early 2027 |
Plot Overview: A Week of Babysitting Mayhem
According to early reports, Aunt Roxie centers on Roxie, a carefree and creative writer who reluctantly agrees to look after her sister’s children for one week. Used to living on her own terms — sleeping late, traveling freely, and improvising her way through life — Roxie is suddenly thrust into a world of early alarms, school drop-offs, and strict routines.
The week quickly spirals into chaos as Roxie’s unconventional approach to childcare clashes with her sister’s perfectionism. But as the story unfolds, Roxie learns that responsibility and creativity can coexist — and that family, despite its flaws, might be the ultimate source of inspiration.
Netflix insiders describe the movie as a “relatable, warm-hearted comedy in the vein of Instant Family and Bad Moms, but with Rosenthal’s sharper comedic edge.”
Film analyst Noah Langston commented:
“The premise of Aunt Roxie leans into one of comedy’s most universal themes — mismatched personalities learning from each other. If written with heart and wit, it could easily be Netflix’s next sleeper hit.”
The Creative Team: Reynolds, Williams, and Rosenthal
Johnny Rosenthal – Writer & Creator
Rosenthal’s comedic credentials stem from his work on Bad Santa 2, where his irreverent humour met emotional vulnerability. His upcoming Amazon MGM project, Christmas in Paradise, further cements his reputation for holiday and family-centred storytelling with a twist.
Ryan Reynolds – Producer (Maximum Effort)
Reynolds’ production company, Maximum Effort, has become synonymous with creative risk-taking and offbeat humour. The company’s previous projects — including Free Guy, The Adam Project, and the Deadpool franchise — reflect its signature mix of action, wit, and heart.
In a statement, a Netflix executive said:
“Ryan Reynolds’ producing imprint has become a hallmark of quality entertainment. His ability to identify heartfelt humor is exactly what makes Aunt Roxie such an exciting addition to our lineup.”
Amy Williams – Producer
Producer Amy Williams, known for Rally Caps, A Dark Foe, and Beast Within, joins the production to add her experience in character-driven storytelling. Her diverse filmography spans drama, mystery, and lighthearted comedy — making her a key figure in shaping Aunt Roxie’s emotional grounding.
| Key Crew | Previous Work | Role in Aunt Roxie |
|---|---|---|
| Johnny Rosenthal | Bad Santa 2, Christmas in Paradise | Writer/Creator |
| Ryan Reynolds | The Adam Project, Free Guy | Producer (Maximum Effort) |
| Amy Williams | Beast Within, Rally Caps | Producer |
| Netflix | Red Notice, You People, Family Switch | Distributor |
Casting: Who Will Play Aunt Roxie?
No casting announcements have been made yet, but industry speculation is already swirling. Given Reynolds’ involvement through Maximum Effort, many are wondering if he or frequent collaborators like Blake Lively or Sandra Bullock could appear in cameo or supporting roles.
Casting is expected to begin in early 2026, with the lead role of Roxie being crucial to the film’s tone — likely requiring an actress who can balance charisma, chaos, and heart.
Entertainment columnist Sienna Moore observed:
“Think of someone in the Kristen Wiig or Jennifer Lawrence space — comedic but emotionally grounded. The role of Roxie could easily become Netflix’s next iconic comedy lead.”
Production Timeline & Filming Details
While Aunt Roxie is currently in development, filming is projected to begin in mid-to-late 2026. Early reports suggest the movie will be shot primarily in Los Angeles or Vancouver, two locations frequently used by Maximum Effort productions.
| Stage | Status/Date |
|---|---|
| Script Development | Completed (2025) |
| Casting | Expected Early 2026 |
| Filming | Mid–Late 2026 |
| Post-Production | Early 2027 |
| Estimated Netflix Release | Late 2026 – Early 2027 |
Depending on scheduling, Aunt Roxie could be positioned as one of Netflix’s holiday or summer comedy releases, fitting into the streamer’s successful pattern of feel-good, escapist films that appeal to wide audiences.
What Makes Aunt Roxie Stand Out?
Unlike many formulaic family comedies, Aunt Roxie is shaping up to combine sharp adult humour with genuine emotional payoff. With Rosenthal’s witty writing, Reynolds’ comedic instincts, and Netflix’s global reach, the film could strike a balance between indie charm and mainstream appeal.
Cultural critic Delaney Hart described the project as:
“A return to character-first comedy — the kind we’ve been missing since the early 2000s. It’s heartwarming chaos that feels tailor-made for Netflix audiences.”
Why Netflix Is Betting Big on Creator-Driven Comedies?
Netflix has increasingly turned to creator-led projects to diversify its comedy portfolio. By tapping into filmmakers with strong personal voices — from Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison collaborations to Rosenthal’s irreverent writing style — the streamer is building a more distinct brand of original comedies.
The addition of Aunt Roxie reinforces Netflix’s strategy to appeal to both global audiences and domestic viewers craving relatable, character-driven humor.
Conclusion
With its blend of family chaos, heartfelt humor, and a dream creative team, Aunt Roxie looks poised to be Netflix’s next breakout comedy. While details are still emerging, the combination of Johnny Rosenthal’s sharp writing and Ryan Reynolds’ production backing promises a refreshing, laugh-out-loud film with universal appeal.
Whether Aunt Roxie lands in 2026 or 2027, it’s already one of Netflix’s most promising upcoming originals — a perfect storm of wit, warmth, and relatable dysfunction.
FAQs
The film is written and created by Johnny Rosenthal, known for Bad Santa 2 and Christmas in Paradise.
Ryan Reynolds (Maximum Effort) and Amy Williams are producing the film in partnership with Netflix.
The film follows a carefree writer who babysits her uptight sister’s kids for a week — leading to a hilarious clash of lifestyles and heartfelt lessons.
No, casting is still in early development. Announcements are expected in 2026.
The movie is likely to arrive between late 2026 and early 2027, depending on filming schedules.
