Country Music Heads To Hollywood As Lukas Nelson And Ernest Join Judd Apatow’s Next Big Bet

An original comedy built around country music — complete with brand-new songs written by some very real heavyweights.

Country music is heading back to the big screen, and this time it’s bringing jokes with it. The upcoming project is shaping up to be a country-themed comedy, and yes, there’s a decent chance the genre itself may end up being part of the punchline. But judging by the early details, the biggest laughs will likely come from the fictional country star at the center of the story.

Glenn Powell is set to star as a country music singer whose career is described as being “in free fall.” The film is expected to be his next project, with production rumored to begin early this year. Powell isn’t just starring — he’s also co-writing the script alongside Judd Apatow, which suggests there’s real confidence behind the concept.

That confidence seems shared by Universal Pictures, which has reportedly fast-tracked the still-untitled comedy. That move likely has a lot to do with Apatow being attached as director.

For anyone who needs a reminder, Apatow is responsible for some of the most defining comedies of the past 25 years. His directing credits include The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up, while his producing résumé boasts titles like Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, and Superbad.

That said, it’s also fair to note that many of those hits are now nearly two decades old. Apatow’s recent output hasn’t landed quite the same way — his last film, The Bubble, failed to gain traction, and his most successful TV series, Girls, wrapped back in 2017. In many ways, this collaboration with Powell feels like a potential reset moment for the veteran filmmaker.

And the star power doesn’t stop at the cast.

The music itself is being handled by two of country music’s most respected songwriters. Apatow revealed to The Wrap that ERNEST and Lukas Nelson are leading the charge on original songs written specifically for the film.

“The songwriting is being led by Lukas Nelson and ERNEST,” Apatow said. “And we’ve had a lot of fun.”

That’s not exactly a light lineup.

ERNEST has become one of Nashville’s most in-demand writers, contributing hits for artists like Morgan Wallen and Jelly Roll (and even, somewhat unexpectedly, Pat McAfee). Lukas Nelson — son of Willie Nelson — brings his own pedigree, along with prior experience crafting original music for film. He contributed multiple songs to the 2018 remake of A Star Is Born, starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga.

That project required songwriting that felt completely authentic — and very serious. Which makes this new challenge especially intriguing. A country comedy backed by two writers known for emotional depth raises plenty of questions about tone and execution.

Will the movie lean into a feel-good comeback story while poking fun at country music along the way, similar to Talladega Nights? Or will the humor live mostly in the characters, with the country music world simply acting as the backdrop?

My guess? The genre itself will absolutely get teased — and country fans will likely be in on the joke. Either way, it’s refreshing to see country music positioned at the center of what could be a major studio comedy, especially with Glenn Powell attached.

As of now, the film is targeting a February 5, 2027 release date.

And for a fun bit of trivia: ERNEST and Lukas Nelson previously teamed up on the song “Why Dallas,” which appeared on ERNEST’s 2024 album Nashville, Tennessee — so this won’t be their first creative crossover.

If this all comes together, country music might just be headed for its most entertaining big-screen moment in years.