Focus Features Greenlights Comedy Old Friends New Friends from Comedian Mike Birbiglia

Focus Features has greenlit Old Friends New Friends, a new comedy film from beloved comedian, writer, director and actor, Mike Birbiglia. The film is written and directed by Birbiglia who produces alongside Jacob Jaffke (X Trilogy, Dream Scenario, Sleepwalk With Me) and Joe Hartwick (Maze Runner Franchise, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) for Oddball Entertainment. 

Old Friends New Friends stars Lucas Hedges (Manchester by the Sea, Lady Bird), Patrick Schwarzenegger (Beach Read, The White Lotus), Geraldine Viswanathan (Thunderbolts, Drive-Away Dolls) and Dylan Gelula (Dream Scenario, Smile 2).

Mike Birbiglia is an Emmy-nominated comedian, writer, director, and actor who has performed his award-winning solo shows worldwide—from the Sydney Opera House to the West End of London to Broadway. His six solo shows Sleepwalk With Me, My Girlfriend’s Boyfriend, Thank God For Jokes, The New One, The Old Man & The Pool, and The Good Life enjoyed successful runs on and off Broadway and became hit Netflix comedy specials. Birbiglia also wrote, directed, and starred in the Sundance-award winning film Sleepwalk with Me and critically acclaimed Don’t Think Twice.

Focus Features is home to visionary filmmakers, bringing bold, original stories to life for audiences through the power of the theatrical experience. Focus’ 2026 slate spans a variety of films for every audience, including Curry Barker’s historic, record-breaking Obsession debut that has gone on to become Focus’ highest grossing film of all time; Werwulf, the studio’s fourth collaboration with acclaimed horror director Robert Eggers, releasing on Christmas Day; The Uprising from Paul Greengrass; Elsinore from Simon Stone starring Andrew Scott in a deeply emotional and profound performance; and Georgia Oakley’s highly anticipated new take on Jane Austen’s beloved classic, Sense and Sensibility.

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