Lucy Hale, the beloved star of Pretty Little Liars and Which Brings Me to You, is set to headline a new romantic comedy titled Princess, a project that promises to blend humor, heart, and a touch of chaos. Directed by Shauna Duggins, a two-time Emmy-winning stunt coordinator making her feature directorial debut, the film follows a woman who meets the man of her dreams—only to find herself in a hilarious battle of wits with his fierce bulldog, Princess. Think Monster-in-Law but with a canine twist, as the dog has a reputation for ruining every relationship her owner enters. With principal photography slated to begin in Ireland in spring 2025, Princess is already generating buzz as a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre.
Hale, who has built a global following through her standout performances in Pretty Little Liars, The Hating Game, and Fantasy Island, is no stranger to balancing humor and charm on screen. Her upcoming slate includes *F** Marry Kill, an action comedy set to hit theaters in March 2025, further cementing her status as a versatile and dynamic actress. In Princess, Hale is expected to bring her signature warmth and comedic timing to a story that explores love, loyalty, and the unexpected challenges that come with it. The film’s premise—centered on a woman navigating a relationship while outsmarting a stubborn bulldog—offers plenty of opportunities for both laugh-out-loud moments and heartfelt connections.
Shauna Duggins, who is stepping into the director’s chair for the first time, brings a wealth of experience to the project. Known for her work on hit series like 9-1-1 and GLOW, Duggins has also directed second-unit action sequences for Yes Day!, Family Switch, and Dexter: Original Sin. Her background in stunt coordination, which has earned her two Emmy wins and a SAG award, suggests that Princess will deliver on both comedy and physicality. Duggins has a history of doubling for A-list actresses like Jennifer Garner, Cameron Diaz, and Cate Blanchett, and her expertise in creating high-energy, engaging sequences will undoubtedly bring a unique edge to the film. “Lucy Hale is one of the most dynamic and versatile actresses of her generation,” Duggins shared. “I can’t wait to explore our comedic choreography as she takes on the ultimate challenge—outlasting and outwitting her canine adversary.”
The creative team behind Princess is equally impressive. Christopher Tuffin, who conceived the story and characters, is producing alongside Renee Tab of Sentient and Amanda Delaplaine. Tuffin, known for his work on projects like Sound of Freedom and Peppermint, has a deep roots in comedy, having worked with the Farrelly Brothers, Ben Stiller, and Jerry Lewis early in his career. “‘Princess’ is part of a natural evolution for me to return to producing the kind of slapstick, take-no-prisoners humor I grew up on,” he said. With Duggins’ expertise in physical comedy and Hale’s proven ability to carry a film, Princess is poised to deliver a wildly entertaining experience.
K5 Intl., led by Daniel Baur, has come on board as the international sales agent for the film and will kick off sales at the Berlinale European Film Market. The production is supported by a robust team, including executive producers Julie Kroll, Nadezda Motina, Aram Ovannisyan, Sophie Delaplaine, and Baur, with Todd Slater and Brandon Evans representing Brick Lane, which will also serve as the production service company in Ireland. Strong Island’s production and finance legal and business affairs are being handled by Jere R. Hausfater and Larry Weinberg. The film’s cast and crew are repped by top talent agencies, including CAA, UTA, and Sentient Entertainment.
As Princess gears up for production, fans of Lucy Hale and romantic comedies have plenty to look forward to. The film’s unique blend of humor, heart, and animal antics, combined with its picturesque Irish setting, promises to make it a standout in the genre. With a talented director, a stellar lead, and a story that feels both fresh and familiar, Princess is shaping up to be a must-watch when it arrives on screens. And with K5 Intl.’s track record of success—including films like November 1963 with John Travolta and The Butler with Jean Reno—audiences worldwide can expect a cinematic treat that delivers on both entertainment and emotional depth.
