Pete Davidson and Ella Purnell will headline That Time We Met, a high-concept romantic comedy from Theater Camp filmmaker Nick Lieberman about a mismatched couple who, after a calamitous first date, learn their unborn child is destined to save humanity. The screenplay is by Mitchell Winkie, with international sales being launched at the American Film Market.
The project is being positioned as a “cosmic” rom-com, leaning into genre elements while keeping the relationship at its center. Packaging the film for buyers at AFM is a strategic move designed to secure distribution across territories before principal photography, a common route for independently financed features seeking pre-sales to support budgets.
Davidson continues to toggle between comedy and darker material following recent film work and stand-up projects, while Purnell’s profile has grown through buzzy television roles. The casting brings together two performers with distinct fan bases and screen personas: Davidson’s deadpan volatility and Purnell’s sharp, offbeat warmth. The premise gives both leads a broad canvas, balancing banter with stakes that extend beyond the couple’s chemistry.
Market watchers will note the timing. AFM concentrates global buyers and sellers in Santa Monica each November, with agents and producers unveiling packages built around clear hooks and bankable talent. A high-concept logline, a director coming off a well-received festival title, and a compact, effects-light setup are the sorts of elements that tend to travel well in presale negotiations. WME Independent’s involvement suggests the film will court a mix of U.S. and international distributors looking for theatrical-friendly counterprogramming and streaming pickups.
The team is keeping further casting and scheduling under wraps for now, but the combination of a commercial premise and recognizable leads gives buyers a straightforward pitch. If the package lands strong commitments this week, production details and release plans are expected to follow as deals close.
