Nikki Glaser to Star in Edgy Romantic Comedy with Judd Apatow

Comedian Nikki Glaser is set to embark on a significant cinematic venture, collaborating with acclaimed producer Judd Apatow and Universal Pictures on an untitled “modern, edgy romantic comedy.” Glaser will not only star in the film but also co-write and produce the project, marking a notable expansion of her creative roles in Hollywood. This announcement signals a strategic alignment between Glaser’s distinctive comedic voice and Apatow’s established track record of nurturing comedic talent and producing successful, character-driven comedies.

Nikki Glaser’s New Endeavor

The upcoming film is generating anticipation, particularly for its promise of being a “modern, edgy romantic comedy.” While specific plot details remain under wraps, the genre description strongly suggests a departure from traditional romantic comedy tropes, likely embracing Glaser’s signature no-holds-barred humor and candid observations on relationships and modern life.

Glaser will be co-writing the screenplay with Sean O’Connor, a writer with whom she has a proven collaborative history. O’Connor was part of the writing team for the 82nd Golden Globe Awards, which Glaser famously hosted.

Judd Apatow’s Influence and Production Role

Judd Apatow, known for his instrumental role in launching and elevating the careers of numerous comedic stars, will produce the film through his longstanding Apatow Productions, which has an overall deal with Universal.

Apatow’s extensive filmography as both a director and producer includes critically acclaimed and commercially successful comedies such as “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” “Knocked Up,” “Bridesmaids,” and “The Big Sick.” His involvement often signifies a project with a strong comedic sensibility, sharp writing, and a focus on authentic, relatable characters, even within a comedic framework.

This collaboration with Glaser continues Apatow’s tradition of empowering comedians to translate their unique voices into feature films. Josh Church will also produce alongside Apatow, with Erik Baiers, Universal’s Senior Executive VP of Production Development, overseeing the project on behalf of the studio.

Glaser’s Ascending Career

Nikki Glaser’s career has seen a remarkable ascent in recent years, propelled by her distinctive comedic style. Her standout performance at the Netflix roast of Tom Brady garnered significant attention and acclaim, solidifying her reputation for sharp, often raunchy, and unapologetically honest humor.

Further demonstrating her versatility and growing prominence, Glaser recently made history as the first woman to independently host the Golden Globe Awards and is slated to return for the 83rd edition in January 2026.

Beyond stand-up and hosting, Glaser’s acting credits include roles in films like “Trainwreck” and television series such as “Inside Amy Schumer.” She has also hosted the popular reality dating series “FBoy Island” for three seasons and its spin-off “Lovers and Liars.” Her recent stand-up specials, “Good Clean Filth” and “Someday You’ll Die,” have been well-received, and she is preparing to tape a new hour-long special for Hulu, set for release in 2026. Additionally, Glaser is co-writing, producing, and starring in “Mash,” a “Sliding Doors”-style comedy for Paramount Pictures.

The Evolution of Romantic Comedy

The description of the film as an “edgy romantic comedy” suggests it will likely lean into the contemporary trend of romantic comedies that challenge conventional narratives and embrace more realistic, often awkward or unconventional, aspects of relationships. Given Glaser’s comedic persona, which frequently delves into dating, sex, and societal expectations with unflinching honesty, the film is poised to offer a fresh and possibly provocative take on the genre. This aligns with Apatow’s history of producing comedies that are both humorous and grounded in relatable human experiences, even when pushing boundaries.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Nikki Glaser, Judd Apatow, and Universal Pictures for an “edgy romantic comedy” represents an exciting prospect for fans of sharp, modern humor. With Glaser at the helm as star, writer, and producer, and Apatow’s experienced guidance, the untitled film has the potential to deliver a fresh and impactful contribution to the romantic comedy genre, further cementing Glaser’s position as a significant voice in contemporary comedy.