Picture Credits: Getty Images, Lucas Posiede, Netflix
Among the flurry of announcements at the 2026 Netflix Upfronts presentation in New York City today was the reveal of a brand-new feature film boasting a seriously stellar cast. Ben Stiller, Nicholas Galitzine, and Bella Maclean are officially set to star in A Matter of Time, a new romance film headed to Netflix.
The new movie comes to Netflix via a specialized partnership with Sony Pictures. Under this specific deal, Sony Pictures offers Netflix a first look at any films it intends to develop and produce exclusively for the streaming market.
Here’s everything you need to know about the newly announced feature.
What is the plot of A Matter of Time?
Described as a supernatural romance with world-altering stakes, Netflix has released the official logline for the upcoming film:
“An unlikely angel is sent from heaven to convince a reclusive man to give up his life for the greater good. The man agrees, only for his impending death to trigger a new lease on life, and a romance that threatens to change the course of history.”
While we don’t have official confirmation on who is playing who just yet, it’s easy to imagine Stiller stepping into the shoes of the reclusive man whose impending doom sparks a new desire to live, perhaps with Galitzine serving as the “unlikely angel.” Regardless of the exact casting layout, the premise sounds like a fantastic blend of high-concept fantasy and heartfelt romance.
Who is behind A Matter of Time?
Netflix has lined up a powerhouse team both in front of and behind the camera for this one.
Directing the film is Harry Bradbeer, a name Netflix fans will be very familiar with. Bradbeer directed the first two of the Millie Bobby Brown-led Enola Holmes movies for the streamer, and famously directed the entirety of the critically acclaimed second season of Fleabag.
Credit: Alex Schneideman / Netflix
The script boasts an impressive roster of writers, including Justin Haythe (Revolutionary Road), Madeleine George (Only Murders in the Building), Peter Byrne, and Oscar-winner Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire, The Full Monty).
Producing the feature are Debra Hayward (Les Misérables, Bridget Jones’s Baby) and Larry Mark (The Greatest Showman), alongside Sony Pictures. Michael Dreyer serves as Executive Producer.
Who is starring in A Matter of Time?
As confirmed during the Upfronts presentation, the film will be led by a trio of fantastic talent:
- Ben Stiller – The comedy legend and Severance director has been spending a lot of time behind the camera in recent years, so it’s incredibly exciting to see him taking on a new major acting role for Netflix. He previously starred in The Meyerowitz Stories (New And Selected) for the streamer in addition to his cameo role in Happy Gilmore 2 last year.
- Nicholas Galitzine – Galitzine has been on an absolute tear over the last few years, becoming one of Hollywood’s definitive leading men in the romance genre thanks to hits like Purple Hearts, Red, White & Royal Blue, and The Idea of You.
- Bella Maclean – Maclean is a rising star whom Netflix subscribers will easily recognize as Jem from the final season of Sex Education.
A release date and production schedule have not yet been announced, but we will be sure to keep you updated as soon as cameras begin rolling.
Are you looking forward to checking out A Matter of Time on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!
