Italianna Begins Filming With Halle Bailey and Regé‑Jean Page

Filming has officially begun on Italianna, Universal Pictures’ new romantic comedy starring Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page. Directed by Kat Coiro, known for Marry Me and She-Hulk, the film began production in Italy. Both Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page are now in Italy, confirming that production on Italianna is officially underway.

Set for theatrical release on April 10, 2026, Italianna brings together two of Hollywood’s most exciting rising stars. Page returns to his romantic lead roots after Bridgerton, while Bailey continues her ascent following standout roles in The Little Mermaid and The Color Purple.

A Fresh Take on Romantic Comedy

Although Universal has kept the plot under wraps, the film is described as a romantic comedy with emotional depth. Ryan Engle wrote the screenplay based on an original idea he developed with Kristin Engle. Sources close to production say the tone aims to blend humor, beauty, and sincerity in the style of timeless summer romances.

Will Packer and Johanna Byer are producing under Will Packer Productions. The production company holds a first-look deal with Universal. Packer’s resume includes Girls Trip and Think Like a Man, films known for combining commercial appeal with emotional honesty.

Related | The Count of Monte Cristo Returns With Regé Jean Page Leading a New Generation of Black Creators

Why the Casting of Halle Bailey Regé-Jean Page Matters

The casting of Bailey and Page sends a clear message. In a genre still dominated by Eurocentric standards, Italianna puts two Black leads at the center. It’s a defining moment for both actors. This marks Bailey’s first romantic lead in a grounded, modern studio film, following her fairytale debut in The Little Mermaid. For Page, Italianna is a return to the romantic spotlight that catapulted him to global fame.

Set in Italy, the story promises love, independence, and self-discovery. The setting adds glamour, but the casting adds weight. Italianna isn’t just a pretty postcard romance. It signals a long-overdue shift in Hollywood’s love stories.

Embed from Getty Images

Italianna couldn’t come at a better time. Audiences are craving global, inclusive love stories—and Bailey and Page deliver star power with charm and depth. Their casting brings much-needed representation to a genre that too often sidelines people of color. Here’s hoping the film leans into the kind of steamy, swoon-worthy romance we’ve been missing from POC-led fantasylike stories. Because while Italianna may offer lightness and joy, its message about who gets to lead a love story carries real weight—and serious style.