The Token Groomsman
| The Token Groomsman | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Natalie Simpkins |
| Screenplay by | Natalie Simpkins John C. Hall Sohale Andrus Mortazavi |
| Story by | John C. Hall |
| Produced by | Natalie Simpkins John C. Hall Pam Renall |
| Starring | Taylor Lautner Sarah Hyland Andie MacDowell Brenton Thwaites Kane Brown |
| Cinematography | Matthew Clark |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | Radiant Media Films The Fithian Group |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The Token Groomsman is an upcoming romantic comedy film directed, co-written, and co-produced by Natalie Simpkins. It stars an ensemble cast including Taylor Lautner, Sarah Hyland, Andie MacDowell, Brenton Thwaites, and Kane Brown.
Synopsis
Scott (Lautner), a career-focused man, is invited to an all-expenses-paid, luxury Italian destination wedding as a groomsman, despite not knowing the groom. His plan to network for investors for his company is complicated when he falls for the groom's sister, Mia (Hyland), creating a conflict with his career-focused plans.[1][2]
Cast
- Taylor Lautner as Scott, the career-focused groomsman.[3]
- Sarah Hyland as Mia, the groom's sister.[3]
- Andie MacDowell as Aunt Madge.[3]
- Brenton Thwaites as David.[3]
- Kane Brown as Neil, Scott's best friend.[4]
Production
Development
The original story was conceived by John C. Hall, who co-wrote the screenplay with Natalie Simpkins and Sohale Andrus Mortazavi. The script has been well-received on film financing platforms, and the project has secured key attachments, including the director (Natalie Simpkins) and production companies, such as Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way and Retinue Media. Financing and distribution plans are also in place, with Radiant Films International handling international sales and Attend overseeing the U.S. theatrical release.[5]
Casting
In 2024, Taylor Lautner and Sarah Hyland were announced as joining the cast alongside Andie MacDowell.[3] Next, Brenton Thwaites was later cast as David, and Kane Brown, the multi-platinum selling country music artist, was announced as making his feature film acting debut as Neil, Scott's best friend.[4] Director Simpkins noted that Brown brought a unique mix of "vulnerability and magnetism" that perfectly suited the role.
Filming
Principal photography is scheduled to take place in spring 2026 entirely within Italy. The production has yet to commence filming as it is currently in the pre-production phase. A confirmed target date for the start of shooting is around April 1, 2026.[6]
This schedule follows the film's development and casting announcements throughout 2024 and 2025. The Italian location will provide the backdrop for the destination wedding at the center of the story. In a June 2025 interview, cast member Kane Brown confirmed that filming had not started at that time.[6]
The production team is presently finalizing preparations, including budgeting, scheduling, and hiring key personnel, before cameras begin rolling next year.
Principal photography and filming begins on March 2026.[7]
Post-production
The project is currently in the pre-production phase. The process of editing, sound design, visual effects, and music scoring—which are all part of the post-production timeline—will begin only after the filming concludes in Italy, currently scheduled to start in spring 2026.
References
- ↑ "Radiant Films International | THE TOKEN GROOMSMAN". Retrieved 2025-12-04.
- ↑ The Token Groomsman. Retrieved 2025-12-04 – via www.slated.com.
- 1 2 3 4 5 D'Alessandro, Anthony (2024-05-08). "Taylor Lautner, Sarah Hyland & Andie MacDowell Make A Date With 'The Token Groomsman' – Cannes". Deadline. Retrieved 2025-12-04.
- 1 2 Fink, Hannah (2025-06-05). "Kane Brown to Make Movie Debut in Romantic Comedy". Country 97.1 HANK FM. Retrieved 2025-12-04.
- ↑ Kay, Jeremy. "Radiant begins AFM talks on Taylor Lautner rom-com 'The Token Groomsman'". Screen. Retrieved 2025-12-04.
- 1 2 Wendowski, Andrew (2025-06-23). "Kane Brown Reveals New Details About His First Movie Role in 'The Token Groomsman' Alongside Taylor Lautner". Music Mayhem. Retrieved 2025-12-04.
- ↑ "The Token Groomsman". productionlist.com. Retrieved 2026-04-14.