Recommended for you
Maya Hawke and Lewis Pullman's new rom-com Wishful Thinking is perfect for anyone who loves creative romance movies (or who's excited for Practical Magic 2). And we finally have the first look! The new movie involves supernatural forces, which places the world as we know it into a serious state of jeopardy. But is the budding romance between the lead characters the cause of this deadly force sweeping the nation?
In a case of truly forbidden love, the main characters have to decide if their crackling romance is worth saving, at the risk of humankind. Now that’s what I call romantic tension! And the best part? Your favorite Stranger Things and Marvel actors are in the starring roles.
Wondering 'What Is the Lewis Pullman Rom-Com?' Here's everything you need to know about Wishful Thinking.
The Latest Update On 'Wishful Thinking'
SXSW
We finally have the first look at Maya Hawke and Lewis Pullman in Wishful Thinking, and they are definitely getting cozy! The photo features Maya's character with her arms around Lewis Pullman, and it appears that they're looking at the night sky, considering they're bathed in a dreamy blue glow.
Where can I watch Wishful Thinking?
Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels
The film its making its debut at the 2026 SXSW Film Festival before it comes to theaters or streamers. Stay tuned for an official release date!
What is Wishful Thinking about?
Wishful Thinking follows Charlie and Julia (played by Lewis Pullman and Maya Hawke) who have reached their wits end and don't know how to fix their relationship. When they get looped into a couples therapy seminar with healers who do energy work, their relationship is suddenly tied to the fate of the world — and all the natural and economic disasters they could trigger. Faced with the reality that they could destroy everything, the duo has to figure out whether their relationship is worth fighting for.
Who's in the Wishful Thinking cast?
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images/Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for The Walt Disney Company Limited
The Wishful Thinking cast includes:
- Lewis Pullman as Charlie
- Maya Hawke as Julia
- Randall Park
- Jake Shane
- Kate Berlant
- Amita Rao
- Eric Rahill
The highly anticipated new film, created by video game designer Graham Parkes, will star Lewis Pullman, best known for his Thunderbolts fame, and Maya Hawke, who stole every scene on Stranger Things. Maya Hawke is the daughter of Ethan Hawke, aka the king of ‘90s rom-coms himself (Before Sunrise, anyone? Reality Bites? Cinematic classics, if you ask me). Meanwhile, Lewis Pullman is the son of Bill Pullman, who is also the king of 90s rom-coms (he starred in films like While You Were Sleeping and Sleepless in Seattle).
The ‘Nepo Baby’ Discourse Is Surrounding the Wishful Thinking Upcoming Film
Netflix
While some critics have been quick to chuck the nepo baby accusations at the lead stars, others have defended the actors, saying they have each proven themselves to be talented in their own right. This discourse comes during an era where many critics believe it’s unfair for actors born into rich and famous big-name families to snag roles that might be better suited for professionals who have to work their way up in the industry based on sheer talent.
This isn’t to say that “nepo babies” can’t be talented in their own right. In fact, Maya Hawke has spoken out about the discourse, telling The Times, "There are so many people who deserve to have this kind of life who don’t, but I think I’m comfortable with not deserving it and doing it anyway." She continued, saying, "It’s okay to be made fun of when you’re in rarefied air. It’s a lucky place to be. My relationships with my parents are really honest and positive, and that supersedes anything anyone can say about it.”
Meanwhile, Pullman has expressed gratitude for being the son of such a renowned actor, since it got him familiar with the industry at a young age. “I think that’s what is so undeniably fortunate about nepotism,” he spilled to The Hollywood Reporter. “It took me so long to get comfortable in front of a camera and to forget that it’s there, and I wouldn’t have gotten that if I didn’t get all these chances to do so.”
What are your thoughts on Wishful Thinking? I personally love that we’re finally getting such an original concept, especially considering how rife the entertainment industry currently is with its excessive churning of reboots and sequels. Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
