One of the most anticipated comedies of 2027 is currently filming right here in Georgia, and it’s covering a lot of ground. The Comeback King, a country music comedy starring Glen Powell and directed by Judd Apatow, is actively shooting across Savannah, Claxton, and Macon — and the production has been putting out regular calls for local extras along the way.
What the Film Is About
The Comeback King follows a country western star whose career has gone into free fall. Beyond that, plot details are being kept fairly close to the vest, but the setup is a classic Apatow premise — a flawed, larger-than-life character who has to find his way back. Powell co-wrote the script with Apatow, and the two have been developing it together since 2024. Apatow has described the collaboration as: “Glen’s also a great writer. We’ve been writing the script together for about a year and a half, so it’s been really funny just being in the foxhole with him, and he really makes me laugh.” Georgia Department of Economic DevelopmentWhat’s on Netflix
The film will also feature original country music tracks, with the soundtrack being led by Lukas Nelson and ERNEST. Apatow said of the music: “The songwriting is being led by Lukas and ERNEST, and we’ve had a lot of fun.” A country music comedy with original songs written specifically for the film is a nice detail — it suggests this isn’t just a story set against a country backdrop, but one that’s taking the music seriously. The Source
The Cast
Glen Powell leads the film as the struggling country star. Powell has had one of the more remarkable runs in Hollywood over the past few years — Top Gun: Maverick, Anyone But You, Twisters, and Hit Man have all cemented him as one of the most bankable leading men working today. He has received Golden Globe nominations in both 2025 and 2026, as well as a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. Georgia readers will also know him from Chad Powers, the Hulu dramedy that filmed in metro Atlanta — meaning Powell is barely pausing between Georgia productions. Georgiaentertainment
Cristin Milioti is one of the more exciting castings in the film. Milioti is best known for Palm Springs and her Emmy-winning role in The Penguin. She’s consistently one of the most watchable actors in anything she appears in, and this kind of comedic role should be a good fit. WABE
Madelyn Cline rounds out the lead cast. Cline is known for Outer Banks and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. She has strong comedic instincts and her chemistry with Powell — who she appeared alongside in promotional events for Anyone But You — should translate well on screen. WABE
Stavros Halkias is perhaps the most intriguing supporting player in the film. Halkias is playing Powell’s character’s agent. A stand-up comedian who has been building a serious cult following for years, his foul-mouthed, over-the-top comedic style has been winning over mainstream audiences through appearances on Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney and his performance in Bugonia. He also hosts the popular comedy podcast Stavvy’s World and will appear in the upcoming A24 Anthony Bourdain biopic Tony. This could be a breakout film role for him. AJCWhat’s on Netflix
Li Jin Hao rounds out the main cast, though details about his role haven’t been revealed yet.
The Creative Team
Judd Apatow directs from a script he co-wrote with Powell, producing through Apatow Productions via its long-standing overall deal with Universal Pictures. Powell and Dan Cohen produce for Barnstorm via a first-look deal with Universal. Barry Mendel and Josh Church serve as executive producers. Mendel and Church are long-time Apatow collaborators, having previously worked with him on The King of Staten Island, Trainwreck, and This Is 40. The Cinemaholic
Where It's Filming in Georgia
This production is one of the more geographically spread-out we’ve covered in a while. Filming is currently underway across the Savannah, Claxton, and Macon areas. Powell has already been spotted in Thunderbolt, a small community within Chatham County just outside Savannah, signaling that the production is actively making use of the area’s distinct Southern character and visual appeal. Macon locations are scheduled for filming between May 3 and 15. Given that the film centers on a country music star in decline, it makes sense that the production is gravitating toward Georgia’s smaller cities and towns rather than a major metro area. AtlantaFi + 2
Want to Be a Background Extra?
Catrett Casting is handling all background casting for The Comeback King. They are currently seeking background actors of various ages and experience levels, including roles for children, drivers with personal vehicles — pickup trucks, SUVs, or cars — and stand-ins.
The Comeback King hits theaters on February 5, 2027, distributed by Universal Pictures. We’ll keep tracking the production as it moves through Georgia over the coming weeks.
