by Alex Billington
May 6, 2026
Source: YouTube
“Didn’t your mother ever teach you not to speak with your mouthful?” Magnolia Pictures has unveiled the official trailer for the indie film Maddie’s Secret, a unique creation from the mind of the comedian / actor John Early. This is his feature directorial debut – he wrote and produced and directed this, and also stars in it as the lead charcter Maddie. After first premiering at the 2025 Toronto Film Festival last year, it’s set for a US release in theaters starting in June this summer. A food influencer secretly struggles with bulimia as she navigates online fame, close friendships, and a painful past full of many secrets. Early plays the titular Maddie Ralph, who hits it big when she starts making cooking videos online. The film is described as “a pitch-perfect blend of satire, melodrama, daring tonal shifts and intimate performances, the film marks a bold new voice in contemporary cinema.” Starring John Early, with Kate Berlant, Eric Rahill, Claudia O’Doherty, Conner O’Malley, Vanessa Bayer, Chris Bauer, and Kristen Johnston. This looks extra kooky and super creative and especially biting in its critical commentary on food influencers. Have a bite. 🍰
Here’s the first official trailer (+ poster) for John Early’s film Maddie’s Secret, direct from YouTube:
Maddie’s Secret is comedian, writer, and actor John Early’s critically acclaimed directorial debut starring himself as Maddie, a plucky dishwasher who leaps to viral superstardom at a trendy food content creation company. While her life seems picturesque — complete with an adoring husband (Eric Rahill), ride-or-die best friend (Kate Berlant) and a cupboard full of woman-owned ethically-sourced chili crisp to boot — mounting professional pressures threaten to reawaken a hidden secret from her troubled past. Maddie’s Secret is written and directed by American comedian / actor / writer / filmmaker John Early, making his feature directorial debut after a few other short films previously. Produced by Harris Mayersohn, Luca Intili, John Early. With an original score by Michael A. Hesslein. This initially premiered at the 2025 Toronto Film Festival last year and it also played at New Directors/New Films. Magnolia Pictures debuts Early’s Maddie’s Secret film in select US theaters starting June 19th, 2026 coming up this summer. Who wants to watch?
