EXCLUSIVE: Three decades after their work together on Amy Heckerling’s iconic comedy Clueless, Paul Rudd and Jeremy Sisto are set to reteam on Rain Reign, a feature adaptation of the bestselling novel by Ann M. Martin (The Baby-Sitters Club), which has wrapped production.
With young up-and-comer Felice Kakaletris (The Crowded Room) in the lead, the film tells the story of her character, Rose Howard (Kakaletris), a neurodivergent 12-year-old girl raised by her volatile single father (Sisto), who is forced to abandon her daily routines when a superstorm devastates their town and her beloved dog, Rain, goes missing. With the support of her uncle (Rudd), Rose embarks on a determined search for Rain — a journey that challenges her resilience and compels her to make an impossible choice between her own needs and doing what is right.
Erika Burke Rossa directed from her own script, in her feature debut, after developing the project with Nikki Silver and Julie Rudd. In a statement to Deadline, she explained, “What moved me about Ann’s novel – and inspired me to adapt Rain Reign into a film – was the Howard family’s journey toward breaking cycles of trauma and finding hope in hardship. For me, the story’s heart lies in how, even in our darkest moments, the most profound acts of heroism are often the most quiet acts of kindness.”
A With a Twist/Long Odds/Rainbow Goat Production in association with City Hill Arts and Ley Line Entertainment, Rain Reign also stars Gretchen Mol, Kirsten Fitzgerald, C.J. Wilson, Mary Stuart Masterson, and Jeremy Davidson.
The film is produced by Silver and Julie Rudd, as well as Jonathan Lim and Robin Jonas of City Hill Arts, which is the majority financier, Theresa Page of Ley Line Entertainment, and Burke Rossa. Executive producers include Robert and Michelle Smigel, Colleen deVeer, Anita Bhatia, Tim Headington, Rheagan Kearney, Steven Wegner, Sisto, Natalie Marciano, Batia Parnass, Liz Wade, and Chase Coleman.
Avy Kaufman oversaw casting, and UTA Independent Film Group is representing worldwide sales.
Previously seen on shows like The Crowded Room, Schmigadoon!, and Evil Lives Here, as well as Annie Live!, Kakaletris is repped by David Doan at CESD Talent.
Known for standout roles in Six Feet Under, Law & Order, Suburgatory, and Clueless, and currently starring in CBS’ FBI, Sisto is repped by Gersh.
Rudd is coming off of two films for A24: the comedy Friendship with Tim Robinson and Death of a Unicorn opposite Jenna Ortega. Upcoming, he’ll be seen in Tom Gormican’s Anaconda opposite Jack Black, John Carney’s Power Ballad, and the Russo Brothers’ Avengers: Doomsday. He is represented by Lighthouse Management & Media, UTA, and Jackoway, Austen, Tyerman.
Mol is repped by Gersh and LBI Entertainment; Fitzgerald by Grossman & Jack Talent; Wilson by CESD and attorney Kenneth Weinrib; Masterson by Paradigm and Untitled Entertainment; and Davidson by Innovative Artists Entertainment and Insight.