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Lindsay Lohan to Star in Netflix Romance 'Return to You' with Mark Waters Directing

Shonda Rhimes

Shonda Rhimes

Prolific television creator ("Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal") and author on creativity and empowerment.

Actress Lindsay Lohan is set to return to the romantic comedy genre with a significant new role in Netflix's upcoming film, Return to You. This project marks a highly anticipated reunion for Lohan with director Mark Waters, known for his work on hit films like Mean Girls, which played a pivotal role in Lohan's early career.

Lohan Reunites with Waters for Netflix Romance 'Return to You'

In a delightful turn for fans of classic romantic comedies, Lindsay Lohan will headline the new Netflix production, Return to You. The film, slated for release in 2026, pairs Lohan with actor Henry Golding. This collaboration is particularly noteworthy as it brings Lohan back together with acclaimed director Mark Waters, with whom she previously created cinematic successes such as 2003's Freaky Friday and 2004's iconic Mean Girls. The screenplay for this romantic feature is penned by Eric Champnella.

Set against the backdrop of 2008, Return to You casts Lohan as a high-achieving yet solitary lawyer whose life takes an unexpected turn when she accidentally receives a poignant DVD. The recording, left by a terminally ill woman for her husband, sets Lohan's character on a mission to locate the grieving spouse, guided only by the clues embedded within the emotional message. Beyond her leading role, Lohan is also involved in the film's production, alongside Brad Krevoy, with Olivia Krevoy, Jimmy Townsend, and Galen Fletcher serving as executive producers.

This venture further solidifies Lohan's resurgence in Hollywood. Her recent projects include a reprisal of her role as Anna Coleman in the 2025 sequel Freakier Friday and a starring role in the Hulu series Count My Lies, featuring Shailene Woodley and Kit Harington. Henry Golding is also busy, with an upcoming role in the Amazon MGM Studios comedy Close Personal Friends alongside Brie Larson and Lily Collins. Waters' recent directorial credits include the Netflix romantic comedy La Dolce Villa from last year and the forthcoming biopic Hershey. Lohan has expressed a newfound confidence in her craft, noting in a recent Vogue Arabia interview, "With age comes a different kind of confidence. When I was younger, I wasn’t so comfortable saying how I felt about a character and being involved with the process of it. And I love that part now." This sentiment highlights a more assertive and engaged artist, promising a compelling performance in her latest romantic endeavor.

The upcoming film Return to You signifies not only a creative reunion for Lindsay Lohan and Mark Waters but also a testament to Lohan's evolving artistic journey. Her decision to take on a producing role and her vocal embrace of her character's development indicate a deeper commitment to her projects. For audiences, it offers the prospect of a heartwarming narrative delivered by a seasoned team, potentially rekindling the magic that defined their past collaborations and reminding us of the enduring appeal of thoughtfully crafted romantic stories.