Hollywood Heartthrobs Collide in a Modern Romance

Celine Song, the visionary behind the Oscar-nominated Past Lives, returns with another stirring tale of love, timing, and self-worth in Materialists — opening in Philippine cinemas this August 6.

After securing Dakota Johnson as the magnetic Lucy, Song set her sights on building the perfect trio — and found it in Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal.

Chris Evans as John: Imperfectly Perfect

Evans takes on the role of John, Lucy’s broke but big-hearted ex, whose emotional vulnerability and charm make him impossible to forget. Director Celine Song recalls their first meeting with emotional clarity.

“I walked away from that conversation knowing that in his humility, his passion, his dedication to his craft… there was something about the way he was talking to me about his love and his work, his ambitions, the places he felt certain and the places he felt uncertain. It was very moving to me, it’s a feeling that doesn’t leave you.”

Evans was equally inspired by Song’s storytelling style, especially her ability to turn ordinary scenes into deeply resonant moments.

“What Celine is so good at is taking scenes that feel simple, but are still incredibly deep and complex,” Evans says. “Those moments that maybe we’ve seen in romances, she has a way of making every moment feel the way it feels to us in life, which is special and personal and meaningful and complex and lasting.”

Pedro Pascal as Harry: Charisma Meets Calculated Charm

Enter Pedro Pascal as Harry — Lucy’s rich, charismatic suitor who seems like the ideal match. On paper, he’s the dream partner: successful, charming, and emotionally intelligent. But Song wanted Harry to have more than just the allure of luxury — he needed depth.

“Harry wants to be the most valuable version of himself, and he has a lot in common with Lucy on that level,” Song says. “They’re really clear about their own value, and they also believe in improving it, which is why I think Harry and Lucy respect each other so much.”

That emotional duality came alive when Song and Pascal had an unexpected conversation.

“Pedro I’ve known and loved for a while, but one day we were having a conversation that went very deep about the holiness of love — and the insane difficulty of love, love as a challenge — and I just realized then and there that I was talking to Harry.”

Meet Lucy: The Matchmaker Caught Between Two Loves

At the heart of Materialists is Lucy — a pragmatic, ambitious matchmaker living in fast-paced New York City. When fate throws her into the orbit of both her old flame and a seemingly perfect new suitor, she must navigate the messy, magical terrain of love, ambition, and identity.

The film poses a relatable question: Do we fall for who we want… or who we need?

Watch the First Look

Get your first taste of the chemistry and emotional tension that drives Materialists. Watch the “First Look” featurette here:

Catch It First in Cinemas!

Materialists opens in Philippine cinemas this August 6 and distributed by Columbia Pictures PH. With a powerhouse cast, emotionally rich storytelling, and a stylish backdrop of modern romance, this film is set to steal hearts — and maybe even break a few.

Will Lucy choose love, or logic? Find out in Materialists. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.

_{Photo & Video Credit: “Columbia Pictures”}