Alia Shawkat and Kristen Stewart reunite for a new film nearly fifteen years after their first collaboration in Floria Sigismondi's 2010 rock biopic "The Runaways." In that earlier film, Shawkat played Joan Jett opposite Stewart's Cherie Currie, but the actress now reveals the experience left her largely sidelined. "I literally was not allowed to speak," Shawkat explained at a recent screening, noting that both actors "were children" navigating a demanding professional set.
Their new pairing comes in "The Wrong Girls," a stoner comedy written and directed by Dylan Meyer that debuts August 14 through distributor Neon. The project represents a markedly different creative environment. Rather than being confined to a supporting role, Shawkat works as a full collaborator in what appears to be an ensemble piece focused on female characters and relationships.
The contrast between these two projects speaks to broader shifts in how the film industry treats young actresses and their creative agency. "The Runaways," despite its subject matter celebrating the groundbreaking all-female punk band, imposed significant constraints on Shawkat's performance. That dynamic has clearly evolved in the nearly two decades since filming, as Meyer's approach prioritizes dialogue and character development rather than restriction.
Stewart, who carried much of "The Runaways" as its lead, has since become a major directorial force in independent cinema, having helmed several acclaimed shorts and features. Her continued work with Shawkat signals the kind of peer collaborations emerging between generationally similar actresses who've matured in the industry together.
"The Wrong Girls" launches during a period when Neon continues establishing itself as a distributor of unconventional comedies and character studies. The film's August release positions it for late-summer theatrical play, a notable choice for an original comedy in an era dominated by streaming platforms.