K5 International, led by Daniel Baur, has joined the project as the international sales agent and will begin marketing the film at the European Film Market during the Berlinale.
The film centers around a woman who meets the man of her dreams, but must first navigate the challenges posed by his bulldog, Princess. The dog has a notorious history of sabotaging any relationship her owner pursues. The tone of the movie is being compared to the 2005 comedy Monster-in-Law.
Principal photography is set to begin in Ireland in the spring of 2025. Lucy Hale, who rose to fame through her role in Pretty Little Liars, has gone on to star in films such as Which Brings Me to You, The Hating Game, and Fantasy Island. She will also appear in the upcoming action comedy F** Marry Kill*, scheduled for a March 2025 release.
The film marks the directorial debut of Shauna Duggins, a two-time Emmy-winning stunt coordinator known for her work on 9-1-1 and Yes Day! Duggins has also worked on projects like GLOW, Dexter: Original Sin, and The Lincoln Lawyer, and is celebrated for her work in stunt coordination, having made history as the first woman to win an Emmy for Outstanding Stunt Coordination.
“I’m thrilled to collaborate with Lucy Hale on this wildly fun and unpredictable adventure,” said Duggins. “I can’t wait to explore our comedic choreography as she faces off with her canine adversary in what will be a truly memorable challenge.”
The story is produced by Christopher Tuffin of Strong Island, who conceived the original idea, alongside Emmy nominee Renee Tab of Sentient, Amanda Delaplaine, and Ari Novak. Tuffin brings his background in comedy, including work with the Farrelly Brothers, Ben Stiller, and Jerry Lewis, to the project. “Princess is a natural evolution for me,” Tuffin said. “With Shauna Duggins’s physical comedy expertise, this film has massive breakout potential.”
The film will also see executive production from Julie Kroll, Nadezda Motina, Aram Ovannisyan, Sophie Delaplaine, Daniel Baur, Todd Slater, and Brandon Evans. Strong Island will also manage the production and finance legal/business affairs.
Lucy Hale is represented by CAA and Elissa Leeds at Reel Talent Management. Shauna Duggins is repped by Sentient Entertainment, Strong Island, and UTA. Frank Hannah is represented by Strong Island.
K5 International, which is handling sales for Princess, has a diverse slate of films, including November 1963, directed by Roland Joffé, and The Butler, starring Jean Reno. The company was recently re-launched with the film Horizon: An American Saga, starring Kevin Costner.
