Meg Ryan Returns to Acting with Rom-Com 'What Happens Later' After 8-Year Hiatus

Ryan's Return to the Big Screen: Meg Ryan's newest project "What Happens Later," draws inspiration from late filmmaker Nora Ephron and examines themes of destiny and fate; her return to the Hollywood spotlight was driven by a desire for a balance between career and a rich personal life.

Meg Ryan's new project, 'What Happens Later,' marks her return to Hollywood after an 8-year break. She co-wrote, directed, and stars in the rom-com, which is heavily inspired by her collaborations with the late Nora Ephron.
Debuting in theaters on November 3, the movie features Ryan and David Duchovny as exes trapped in an airport during a storm, exploring themes of destiny and fate much akin to her previous works with Ephron, such as 'Sleepless in Seattle' and 'You've Got Mail'.
Ryan's decision to take a hiatus from Hollywood was driven by a desire to develop other aspects of her life and experience beyond acting. During her break, she prioritized spending time with her children, Jack and Daisy.
Despite being labelled America's Sweetheart, Ryan views stardom as '100% projection' and finds much affection and gratitude in the world due to her movie roles. Nevertheless, she has pursued a lifestyle outside of Hollywood, viewing acting merely as a job.
Ryan focused her latest film on former lovers stuck together, underlining a healing aspect in conflicted relationships. Her narrative approach in 'What Happens Later' holds echoes of the romantic comedies she made with Ephron.
'What Happens Later' is Ryan's first romantic comedy in 15 years and a testament to her growth as a director. She utilized the lockdown period to focus on the movie script and characterized the whole production process as 'magical.'

The Hollywood Reporter