Meg Ryan and David Duchovny Reflect on Romantic Comedies, Celebrity, and Remembering Nora Ephron

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The phrase “For Nora” gracefully concludes Meg Ryan’s latest film endeavor, “What Happens Later.”

Honoring the memory of the late Nora Ephron with this dedication in Ryan’s new movie was an obvious decision, though it necessitated formal consent from the Directors Guild. Ephron, alongside Ryan, crafted some of the most cherished modern romantic comedies that have stood the test of time, including Ephron’s “When Harry Met Sally” as well as “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail.”

The film marks a delightful and much-anticipated comeback for Ryan, taking her back to the big screen after an eight-year interlude. The movie is set to charm audiences in theaters starting this Friday.

“This film aims to gently open your heart,” Ryan remarked. “It’s a film with a heart, devoid of cynicism. It has a vulnerability that I think resonates especially during the holiday season when people are more receptive to such narratives.”

Before teaming up for “What Happens Later,” Ryan and Duchovny were virtually strangers, a fact belied by their seamless on-screen presence and their natural rapport off-camera. They recently engaged in a conversation with The Big Big News about the film, the hiatus Ryan took, the illusory nature of fame, and their children’s ventures into the acting industry.

The conversation has been condensed and refined for clarity.

AP: The film features mainly your characters, accompanied by a ubiquitous PA voice.

DUCHOVNY: Initially ambivalent about the airport’s PA voice, my appreciation grew as the voice began to intertwine with their story. It felt like someone truly cared about the characters.

RYAN: That aspect is a favorite of mine. It carries a similarity to Nora’s films, where she instilled a sense of fate and destiny. In this benevolent setting, the characters are fated to connect.

AP: There’s speculation the PA voice belongs to a celebrity, with guesses like Tom Hanks and Billy Crystal due to nostalgic reasons. Though credited as Hal Liggett with a humorously ambiguous biography, his true identity remains a mystery.

RYAN: I crafted those fictional details.

DUCHOVNY: Here’s the revelation—it’s Morgan Freeman.

RYAN: Actually, it’s Scarlett Johansson. When Hal agreed to participate, I paced my driveway in excitement.

DUCHOVNY: How extensive is your driveway?

RYAN: Quite.

AP: Given the chemistry and banter you share, it’s surprising you hadn’t met before this project.

DUCHOVNY: I’m grateful to Meg for the chance to be part of this film. It represents a genre I’ve wanted to explore.

RYAN: David was a natural choice. His versatility as an actor is remarkable, capable of evoking a spectrum of emotions.

DUCHOVNY: I recall someone speculating that the characters were in purgatory, due to the white setting.

RYAN: That’s an interesting interpretation.

DUCHOVNY: It suggests they’re in a transitional space where they must learn a lesson to progress.

RYAN: Precisely.

AP: Meg, your return to film after an eight-year absence has garnered attention. Was the hiatus deliberate?

DUCHOVNY: Allow me to speak on Meg’s behalf.

RYAN: Go ahead.

DUCHOVNY: Meg, an artist, took time to replenish her creativity. Besides her cinematic interests, she’s engaged in other pursuits like interior design.

RYAN: It wasn’t a conscious decision. Remember, the pandemic accounted for three of those years. I spent time writing and living without specific intentions.

DUCHOVNY: Fame complicates the observatory nature required for art. One must find a way to observe humanity without the distortions fame brings.

RYAN: That’s accurate. My career trajectory wasn’t planned, but in retrospect, it feels coherent.

AP: Matthew Perry has spoken about the hollowness of fame.

RYAN: His reflections on the fleeting value of fame are insightful and valuable.

DUCHOVNY: It reminds me of a dog track analogy. Once the chasing dogs catch the mechanical rabbit, they lose the drive to chase. That’s similar to the realization that comes with fame.

RYAN: It’s a poignant analogy, especially when the pursuit of fame is so prevalent.

DUCHOVNY: And I’m also against dog racing.

AP: With both of your children pursuing acting, how do you feel about the discussions surrounding ‘nepo babies’ and the challenge of living up to successful parents?

DUCHOVNY: It’s an oversimplification that I hope fades away.

RYAN: It overlooks their talent, hard work, and dedication.

DUCHOVNY: The term ‘nepotism’ has intriguing origins, doesn’t it?

RYAN: I’m not sure.

DUCHOVNY: I’ll verify that later.

RYAN: That’s due diligence.

DUCHOVNY: But the dog track story—that’s a certainty.

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