Samara Weaving Skips Red Carpet Season To Film Olivia Wilde’s ‘Naughty’
Every autumn, Hollywood’s high-fashion season kicks into gear as the entertainment industry gathers for prestigious galas and star-studded red carpets. For Australian star Samara Weaving, these glamorous gatherings have routinely provided memorable red-carpet showcases, capturing widespread attention from cinema enthusiasts and style observers alike. However, a demanding production calendar frequently requires stepping away from the spotlight of Los Angeles to answer the call of international soundstages.
Weaving has firmly established herself as one of modern cinema’s most dynamic performers, having transitioned from bloody cult favorites like ‘Ready or Not’ to expansive upcoming studio tentpoles. Her magnetic screen presence has made her a favorite among filmmakers seeking both comedic sharp wit and high-stakes dramatic intensity. Even as expectations mount for her public appearances throughout the industry’s busiest seasons, major film shoots inevitably take precedence over high-profile social galas.
Fans tracking the red carpet noticed her absence at the 2026 LACMA Art + Film Gala, where her striking appearance in a custom mint-green gown became a standout moment just one year prior. The reason for her absence is a major creative venture abroad, as Weaving is currently based in London shooting the holiday comedy ‘Naughty’. The upcoming Universal Pictures feature finds the actress teaming up directly with director Olivia Wilde for one of the industry’s most eccentric cinematic premises.
The holiday picture carries an intimate creative bond behind the camera, written by Weaving’s husband, screenwriter Jimmy Warden. Warden, celebrated for his high-energy, irreverent storytelling in movies such as ‘Cocaine Bear’ and ‘Borderline’, developed the original spec script before sparking an intense studio bidding war. Backed by Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley’s LuckyChap Entertainment banner, the comedy is being shaped as an unapologetically bold, subversive reinvention of festive filmmaking traditions.
Described by creatives as a chaotic cross between ‘Bridesmaids’ and a festive caper, the storyline centers on a single mother named Mallory, played by Jennifer Aniston. Faced with an uphill custody battle against her toxic former husband, Mallory hatches an outrageous scheme to track down the authentic Santa Claus, portrayed by Peter Dinklage, to testify on her behalf at a divorce hearing. As reported by The A.V. Club, Weaving joined the ensemble as the mistress of Mallory’s ex-husband, played by Ike Barinholtz.
The star-studded roster also features Regina Hall and Chase Sui Wonders playing Mallory’s steadfast allies, alongside Kate Berlant, John Early, and Jamie Demetriou. For Wilde, who previously helmed ‘Booksmart’ and ‘Don’t Worry Darling’, the ambitious production marks an exciting follow-up to her recent summer comedy ‘The Invite’. Balancing heartfelt emotional stakes with raucous holiday chaos, the filmmaker is steering a massive production designed to bring a sharp, modern comedic edge back to mainstream theaters.
With production progressing smoothly in the United Kingdom, Universal Pictures has targeted an official theatrical release date of November 5, 2027. While fashion followers may have missed her presence under the gala lights this season, Weaving’s stacked schedule ensures plenty of big-screen appearances in the near future. Between expanding her comedic credentials in London and preparing for future blockbuster roles, the star continues to cement her standing as one of Hollywood’s most exciting leading talents.
