Hollywood just crashed the ballpark—and baseball fans (and rom-com lovers) are living for it. Universal Pictures’ highly anticipated baseball romantic comedy The Catch has been filming scenes at Citi Field in New York City. In fact, they turned a regular Mets-Dodgers series into pure movie magic. The film, directed by Dave McCary (Emma Stone’s husband) and set for a theatrical release on May 21, 2027, stars two-time Oscar winner Emma Stone opposite Chris Pine. Early buzz describes it as Bull Durham meets Notting Hill. Stone is said to be playing “the most hated woman in baseball.”
The Plot (What We Know So Far)
While Universal is keeping the full story under wraps, reports suggest Stone’s character is a passionate fan who accidentally interferes with a crucial play. Think a modern, fictionalized twist on the infamous Steve Bartman incident. She becomes public enemy No. 1, navigating guilt, media frenzy, and an unexpected romance (enter Chris Pine). It’s a classic fish-out-of-water love story set against the backdrop of Major League Baseball.
The supporting cast is stacked: Tim Robbins (returning to baseball territory after Bull Durham), Sissy Spacek, Saturday Night Live breakout Ashley Padilla (as Stone’s sister), and comedian Druski (as Stone’s security guard).
Emma Stone and Chris Pine are in the baseball romantic comedy “The Catch” due out next May. Filming going on here at Citi Field before the #Mets game. Juan Soto apparently is in it, too. pic.twitter.com/RAXDTG1nPN
— Brian Heyman (@bheyman99) July 24, 2026
Filming at Citi Field: Hollywood Meets the Mets
On Friday, July 24, 2026, cameras rolled at Citi Field before and during the Mets’ game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The production even influenced game-day details. Interestingly, the Mets wore their classic white home uniforms to match the film’s aesthetic instead of their usual Friday blacks.
Fans arriving at the ballpark saw signs warning them: by staying in certain areas, they consented to appear as extras in The Catch with no compensation or credit. One season-ticket holder even got relocated so Stone and Pine could shoot in his section.
Emma Stone meets Andy Green during the filming of The Catch at Citi Field pic.twitter.com/MoANwWwUGo
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) July 24, 2026
The biggest surprise? Mets superstar Juan Soto stepped in for a cameo. Specifically, the slugger filmed multiple takes of a scene in the home dugout. To be clear, Soto was spotted staring out at the field before walking down the steps toward the clubhouse. Furthermore, the Mets outfielder shared a hug with Emma Stone on camera.
.@SteveGelbs reports on how the Mets wore their traditional white uniforms on Friday night with Emma Stone and "The Catch" filming at Citi Field pic.twitter.com/mNneyZ0cFL
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) July 25, 2026
Newsday sports reporter Ben Dickson captured the moment and posted it to X with the perfect caption: “Add ‘actor’ to Juan Soto’s resume. Looks like he is involved with the movie being filmed at Citi Field. Believe it’s called ‘The Catch.’”
Add “actor” to Juan Soto’s resume.
— Ben Dickson (@bendickson__) July 24, 2026
Looks like he is involved with the movie being filmed at Citi Field. Believe it’s called “The Catch” pic.twitter.com/yYvSVBM8JZ
Why This Movie Feels Special
Beyond the star power, The Catch carries personal weight. Director Dave McCary is married to Emma Stone, and the couple (both longtime Padres fans before Soto’s Mets era) are producing through their Fruit Tree banner. In fact, it is produced alongside Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps. The film marks Stone’s return to pure rom-com territory after years of prestige and experimental work. Emphatically, this is something fans have been craving since Crazy, Stupid, Love.
With principal photography underway at real MLB venues and actual big-league talent on board, The Catch is shaping up to be the perfect blend of sports authenticity and classic romantic comedy charm.
Mark your calendars for May 21, 2027. Who’s ready to fall in love with baseball (and Emma Stone) all over again?
