John Early’s Comedy Film ‘Maddie’s Secret’ Acquired by Magnolia Pictures

The comedy film Maddie’s Secret, written and directed by comedian, writer, and actor John Early has been acquired by Magnolia Pictures.

Starring Early as Maddie, a food content creator trying to keep her troubled past from piercing her perfect veneer, the film premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival as opening night of the Discovery Section.

Also featuring in the film are Kate Berlant, Eric Rahill, Claudia O’Doherty, Conner O’Malley, Vanessa Bayer, Leah Hennessey, Emily Allan, Ruby McCollister, Pat Regan, Dominique Witten, Chris Bauer and Kristen Johnston (as Maddie’s wicked mother), plus a ‘80s-inspired score from frequent Early musical collaborator Michael Hesslein.

Magnolia Pictures plans a theatrical release in 2026.

Maddie’s Secret follows Maddie, a plucky dishwasher who leaps to viral superstardom at a trendy food content creation company. While her life seems picturesque — complete with an adoring husband (Eric Rahill), ride-or-die best friend (Kate Berlant) and a cupboard full of woman-owned ethically-sourced chili crisp to boot — mounting professional pressures reawaken her long dormant struggle with an eating disorder. Unwilling to shatter her image, Maddie unravels quietly, in secret, threatening her relationships and even her life.

Of the acquisition filmmaker John Early said, “I cannot imagine a more chic or dignified home for Maddie’s Secret than Magnolia Pictures. I will burst into tears when I see the title card for the first time.”

“As super fans of John Early, our collective jaws were on the floor watching his totally unique weaving of sacred homage and profane sendup,” said Magnolia Pictures co-CEOs Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley. “We can’t wait for audiences to experience this cinematically masterful, uproarious work.”

The film was produced by Harris Mayersohn for Dogma 3000 (Rap World), Luca Intili (I Saw the TV Glow), and John Early and executive produced by Chris Quintos Cathcart and Tyler Boehm for Unapologetic Projects, Hannah Dweck and Theodore Schaefer for Dweck Productions, Sarah Herrman for Whetstone Pictures, Deb Tam for Radish, Matthew Rosenthal, and Marissa Heringer. Additional below-the-line talent includes director of photography Max Lakner, editor Danny Scharar (I Think You Should Leave, Rap World), production designer Gordon Landenberger (Stress Positions), costume designers Kimme Aaberg and Izzy Heller, and acclaimed choreographer Danielle Polanco.