Discover Where to Stream 'What Happens Later', Starring Meg Ryan: Your Complete Guide

The popularity of rom-coms reached its peak in the 90s and 2000s, which can largely be attributed to Meg Ryan. Now, after years away from the spotlight, the queen of romantic comedies is making a grand comeback with her latest film, What Happens Later. Not only is Ryan starring in the film, but she is also taking the reins as the director and one of the executive producers. The screenplay, penned by Ryan, Steven Dietz, and Kirk Lynn, is an adaptation of Dietz's 2008 play Shooting Star. Joining Ryan in the cast is David Duchovny, known for his role in The X-Files, who portrays the character Bill, while Ryan takes on the role of Willa, the story's protagonist. Jonathan Duffy, Kelly Williams, Laura D. Smith, and Kristin Mann fulfill the role of producers, with Duchovny also serving as an executive producer.

According to the official logline, the plot revolves around two former lovers, Bill (played by David Duchovny) and Willa (played by Meg Ryan), who find themselves stranded at a regional airport during a snowstorm. As they wait indefinitely for their flight, Willa, who tends to see the world through a magical lens, and Bill, who has a more pessimistic outlook on life, discover that their feelings of attraction and annoyance towards one another haven't changed since their time together decades ago. However, as they delve into their shared past and reflect on the dreams they once had, they start to question whether their reunion is simply a coincidence or something more enchanting.

While the overall storyline, narrative, and tone of What Happens Later may resemble a typical romantic comedy, the film promises to go beyond the usual clichés of the genre, delving deeper into the complexities of Bill and Willa's relationship. It appears that the film will focus on unraveling their past and coming to terms with their own shortcomings through meaningful conversations. In essence, this love story is more about the individuals involved rather than the romance itself.

In development since 2022, What Happens Later is Ryan's second directorial venture following her 2015 film Ithaca, in which she also starred and produced. This new romantic comedy also serves as her first film in years, making it a highly anticipated release among Meg Ryan fans. To help you stay informed, here's our guide on when, where, and how you can watch What Happens Later upon its release.

What Happens Later

Two former lovers, Bill (played by David Duchovny) and Willa (played by Meg Ryan), find themselves snowed in at a regional airport overnight. As they navigate through the indefinite delay, Willa, a believer in the power of magic, and Bill, a pessimist, experience a mix of attraction and annoyance towards each other, just like they did decades ago. As they delve into their shared past and compare their current lives to the dreams they once had, they question whether their reunion is a mere coincidence or something more enchanting. - Bleecker Street

Release Date: November 3, 2023

Director: Meg Ryan

Cast: Meg Ryan, David Duchovny

Rating: R

Runtime: 105 minutes

Main Genre: Romantic Comedy

Additional Genres: Drama, Romance, Comedy

Writers: Steven Dietz, Kirk Lynn, Meg Ryan

Distributor: Bleecker Street

When Is the Release Date for 'What Happens Later'?

The release date for What Happens Later has been rescheduled from October 13 to November 3, 2023 to avoid clashes with the Taylor Swift concert film Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour. The film will hit theaters on the new date.

Is 'What Happens Later' in Theaters?

Image via Bleecker Street

What Happens Later, distributed by Bleecker Street Films, will have a nationwide theatrical release in the US and Canada on November 3, 2023. The international release date/s is still to be announced.

On the same release date, there will be the release of the thriller The Marsh King’s Daughter, starring Daisy Ridley, alongside the wide release of Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla. However, What Happens Later stands out from these anticipated projects as it belongs to a completely different genre and is expected to attract a different audience, particularly rom-com fans.

Find Showtimes for 'What Happens Later'

Image via Bleecker Street

Check out the links below to find out the showtimes for What Happens Later at your nearest theater/s, book tickets, or other details –

Official Website

Fandango

Regal

AMC Theatres

Cinemark

When Will 'What Happens Later' Be on Streaming?

Image via Bleecker Street

Currently, there is no update or announcement regarding the streaming release of the film. However, some of Bleecker Street's 2023 films, such as The Starling Girl and Mafia Mamma, are already available on streaming platforms like Paramount+ with Showtime. These films can also be purchased or rented on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube. Typically, these films become available for video on demand (VOD) within 30-45 days after their theatrical premiere. Therefore, it is possible that What Happens Later may also be released digitally within a month or so, possibly just in time for the holidays. Keep an eye on this space to find out when the film will be available for digital streaming.

When Will 'What Happens Later' Be on DVD and Blu-ray?

Image via Bleecker Street

Fortunately, Amazon has already listed the DVD and Blu-ray titles for What Happens Later, scheduled to be released on December 19, 2023. Despite the physical release being a month and a half away, you have the option to pre-order the film online as a holiday gift for your loved ones or even yourself. As a result, you can choose to either wait for the DVD/Blu-ray and transform it into a delightful holiday movie to watch from the comfort of your own couch or embrace the spirit of the season by seeing it in theaters.

Watch the Trailer for 'What Happens Later'

What Happens Later first-look images and the official trailer were released by Bleecker Street a couple of months ago. However, now is the perfect time for the film to make its debut, as it captures the essence of the holiday season with snowy scenery, delayed flights, and the rekindling of long-lost love. The trailer immediately immerses viewers in the plot by showcasing Willa and Bill unexpectedly crossing paths at an airport, setting the stage for the rest of the story. From the glimpses offered in the clip, it appears that the majority of the film takes place within the airport, which presents both a challenge and an intriguing element. Given the confined setting, the narrative heavily relies on the conversations between the characters, something that What Happens Later is poised to excel at. In addition to exploring the revival of an old romance, this refreshing romantic comedy drama delves into the lives of Willa and Bill as individuals and as a couple, allowing them to confront their past shortcomings. While it remains uncertain whether their story will conclude on a joyous note, rest assured that What Happens Later will deliver numerous heartwarming and relatable conversations that will resonate with many.

Meg Ryan Rom-Coms to Stream Right Now

Meg Ryan, since her debut in the 1981 film Rich and Famous, has been a prominent figure in the world of films, TV shows, and series. However, her true title will forever be the queen of romantic comedies, cherished by her fans. Her remarkable performances in iconic movies such as Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle have shaped her career as an actress over the past four decades, and it continues to evolve. What makes What Happens Later even more exceptional is that Ryan established these sentiments and expectations many years ago with her portrayals of Sally, Annie, Kathleen, and other unconventional female characters. Interestingly enough, all the movies on this list were created by the legendary filmmaker Nora Ephron, whose name has become synonymous with some of the most groundbreaking comedies of our time.

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Watch When Harry Met Sally on Paramount+ with Showtime. This exceptional film combines Nora Ephron's storytelling, Rob Reiner's direction, and the charming performances of Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. Based on a true story, the movie follows Harry and Sally as they meet in college and encounter each other serendipitously over the span of 12 years. Throughout their interactions, they engage in thought-provoking debates about whether men and women can truly be just friends. When Harry Met Sally breaks conventions in the romance genre and features an unconventional heroine, making it ahead of its time. With an impressive 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this 1989 film is widely regarded as one of the greatest romantic comedies ever made. Its enduring legacy can be attributed not only to the unique characters and the captivating on-screen chemistry between Crystal and Ryan but also to its iconic scenes, such as the unforgettable pastrami sandwich scene at Katz Deli, which has become iconic in its own right. Enjoy the heartwarming romance and don't miss out on the opportunity to witness the film that put Katz Deli and their delicious sandwiches on the world map.

Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

Image via TriStar Pictures

Ephron returns to helm her highly successful romantic comedy in her second directorial effort. Sleepless in Seattle also signifies the reunion of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan as the main leads, following their collaboration in their first film, Joe Versus the Volcano in 1990. This movie solidified the pair as the most beloved on-screen couple of the decade. Penned by Ephron, David S. Ward, and Jeff Arch, Sleepless in Seattle draws inspiration from the 1957 classic, An Affair to Remember. The storyline revolves around Sam, a recently widowed father whose eight-year-old son encourages him to share his grief on a radio talk show. In Baltimore, journalist Annie becomes touched by Sam's tale and decides to meet him. With its heartwarming narrative of star-crossed lovers, hope, heartbreak, and navigating loss, Sleepless in Seattle can easily be hailed as the epitome of a perfect love story that remains a timeless classic. The film achieved tremendous success, both critically and commercially, garnering two Academy Award nominations and receiving acclaim for its story, direction, and the outstanding performances of its lead duo.

Available for streaming on Hulu.

You’ve Got Mail (1998)

Image via Warner Bros.

This film represents Meg Ryan's third collaboration with both Nora Ephron and Tom Hanks. Directed and co-written by Ephron, along with Delia Ephron, the film is an adaptation of Miklós László's 1937 Hungarian play, Parfumerie. Titled after AOL's email notification, "You've Got Mail," the story follows Joe Fox (played by Hanks), the owner of a popular bookstore chain, and Kathleen Kelly (played by Ryan), the owner of a charming local bookstore. They meet online, unaware of each other's true identities or their fierce competition in the business world. In a way, this film can be considered one of the early explorations of "online dating" in cinema. While it may not have achieved the same level of success as "Sleepless in Seattle" or "When Harry Met Sally," "You've Got Mail" remains among Ryan's finest works and one of the top romantic comedies for those seeking a heartwarming experience.

Available for rent on Prime Video.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am excited about the upcoming release of "What Happens Later," starring Meg Ryan. The film marks Ryan's return to the romantic comedy genre after years away from the spotlight, and I am eager to see her bring her signature charm and wit to the role. The plot, which revolves around two former lovers who find themselves stranded at an airport during a snowstorm, has the potential for plenty of heartwarming and humorous moments. I appreciate that the film seems to go beyond the usual clichés of the genre and delves into the complexities of the characters' relationship.

Additionally, the fact that Ryan is also directing the film adds an extra layer of intrigue, as it will be interesting to see her vision for the story come to life. Overall, I am cautiously optimistic about "What Happens Later" and look forward to seeing it when it releases in November.