Nancy Meyers, the iconic writer and director behind some of the most beloved romantic comedies of the past three decades, says she was completely unaware that a limited series based on her 2006 film The Holiday was in development—until she saw it on Instagram.
In a candid Instagram Story posted on August 1, Meyers reacted with surprise and mild frustration after discovering news of the Apple TV+ adaptation along with the rest of the world. “News to me,” she wrote over a screenshot of a report about the project. “Imagine my surprise when I opened Instagram and this was the post I saw.”
Meyers, who wrote, produced, and directed The Holiday, seemed to be blindsided by the announcement. The 2006 film, which starred Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black, has become a perennial favorite during the holiday season. Set between Los Angeles and a snowy English village, the story follows two women who swap homes to escape heartbreak, only to find love where they least expect it.
While the series is said to keep the spirit and basic premise of the original film—home swapping and romance—it reportedly won’t follow the same characters. Instead, it will offer a fresh take on the concept. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Killing Eve writer Krissie Ducker is attached as executive producer and writer for the project, with British production company Left Bank Pictures developing the show. Actor and comedian Rob Delaney, known for his work on Catastrophe, is reportedly consulting on the script.
Though some fans may be excited to return to the cozy, snow-dusted world of The Holiday, many were quick to rally behind Nancy Meyers, questioning how a major streaming platform could move forward with a project so closely tied to her creative legacy without involving her.
The situation is made even more awkward considering that rumors of a Holiday sequel had already circulated in late 2022. At the time, speculation was rampant that the original cast would return for a follow-up. Meyers swiftly shut down the reports, writing on Instagram, “Sorry but it’s not true.” Ironically, the news now appears to be true—just not in the way anyone expected, and not with Meyers’ direct involvement.
Nancy Meyers ‘Blindsided’ by Apple TV+ Series Adaptation of The Holiday
Social media quickly lit up with reactions, with fans and industry observers expressing dismay that the filmmaker wasn’t looped in. Many pointed out that Nancy Meyers’ signature tone—witty dialogue, elegant set design, emotionally layered storytelling—is what made The Holiday such a success, and questioned how a new adaptation could capture that same magic without her at the helm.
As one user on X (formerly Twitter) put it, “You don’t make The Holiday without Nancy Meyers. That’s like remaking Titanic and forgetting James Cameron.”
Adding fuel to the fire, Nancy Meyers has been publicly fighting to bring another passion project to life: Paris Paramount, a semi-autobiographical romantic comedy she wrote about a filmmaker and her producer ex. The film was reportedly in development with Netflix before budget disagreements stalled the project. Meyers allegedly asked for a budget of $150 million, but the streamer balked.
In light of the new series, some fans joked that Apple TV+ should fund Paris Paramount as a goodwill gesture. “Give Nancy her $150 million and let her cook,” one fan wrote. Others noted that streaming services seem all too eager to cash in on Meyers’ legacy while excluding her from the creative process.
At the moment, Nancy Meyers has not issued any further public statements about the series or whether Apple TV+ has reached out since her initial reaction. But the situation has reignited conversations about ownership and creative credit in Hollywood, especially when original creators are sidelined in favor of fresh interpretations.
If there’s one silver lining, it’s that The Holiday remains as culturally relevant as ever, almost 20 years after its release. But for many fans, the idea of continuing its legacy without Nancy Meyers at the center feels like missing the very heart of what made it special.
Source- Vulture
