The Five Biggest Projects Ol Parker Is Directing Right Now (And The J.Lo Rom-Com That’s Already In Production)

Few filmmakers have cornered the market on feel-good, star-studded cinema quite like Ol Parker. The British director, writer, and producer is a master of the ensemble cast, responsible for global hits like *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again* and *Ticket to Paradise*. As of late 2025, the veteran filmmaker is busier than ever, moving from sun-drenched Greek islands and tropical Australian beaches to the high-stakes world of streaming with a massive new project for Netflix.

This article provides the most current and comprehensive look at Ol Parker's career, from his early start as a screenwriter to his current slate of projects, focusing on the fresh, in-production details of his highly anticipated romantic comedy starring Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein.

Ol Parker: Complete Biography and Filmography

Oliver "Ol" Parker is an English director, screenwriter, and producer renowned for his work in romantic comedies and ensemble films. His career trajectory highlights a knack for crafting universally appealing, commercially successful entertainment.

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• Full Name: Oliver Parker
• Born: June 2, 1969
• Birthplace: London, United Kingdom
• Nationality: British (He is half Spanish)
• Spouse: Thandiwe Newton (Married 1998; Separated 2022)
• Children: Daughters Ripley and Nico, and son Booker Jombe
• Known For: Directing and writing *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again* and *Ticket to Paradise*, and writing *The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel* series.

Selected Filmography (Writer/Director Roles)

Parker’s work is characterized by its warmth, witty dialogue, and ability to attract A-list talent.

• 1999: *The Revengers' Comedies* (Writer)
• 2000: *Maybe Baby* (Writer/Director)
• 2003: *Imagining Argentina* (Writer/Director)
• 2011: *The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel* (Writer)
• 2012: *Now Is Good* (Writer/Director)
• 2015: *The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel* (Writer)
• 2018: *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again* (Writer/Director)
• 2022: *Ticket to Paradise* (Writer/Director)

The In-Production Netflix Rom-Com: 'Office Romance'

Ol Parker’s most immediate and exciting project is the upcoming Netflix romantic comedy, *Office Romance*. This film represents a major collaboration with some of the biggest names in comedy and cinema, solidifying Parker's status as a go-to director for high-concept, feel-good hits.

Star-Studded Cast and Fresh Comedy Writing

The film is currently in production, making it one of the most up-to-date pieces of news in Parker's career. The project has garnered significant attention due to its stellar lead cast:

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• Jennifer Lopez (J.Lo): The global icon and rom-com veteran is set to star, marking a major return to the genre for her.
• Brett Goldstein: The Emmy-winning star of *Ted Lasso*, who is also one of the film's co-writers.

The script for *Office Romance* was penned by Brett Goldstein and Joe Kelly, promising a sharp, modern take on the office comedy trope. Parker’s experience in managing large, charismatic ensembles, as seen in *Mamma Mia!* and *Ticket to Paradise*, makes him the perfect choice to helm this star-powered vehicle.

While plot details are still under wraps, the combination of Goldstein’s acclaimed writing and Parker’s signature directorial style—known for its emotional sincerity and vibrant energy—suggests a massive success for Netflix's romantic comedy slate.

Parker's Upcoming Slate: From Jojo Moyes to Musical Sequels

Beyond the immediate production of *Office Romance*, Ol Parker has several other projects in development that highlight his versatility and continued focus on adapting beloved literature and creating cinematic escapes. These projects will define the next few years of his career.

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1. The Giver of Stars (Universal Pictures)

Parker is attached to one of the most anticipated literary adaptations: Jojo Moyes' novel, *The Giver of Stars*. The book, a powerful story about the "Pack Horse Library" initiative in Depression-era Kentucky, has been optioned by Universal Pictures.

• Role: Parker is set to both adapt the novel into a screenplay and direct the film.
• Significance: This project shifts Parker's focus slightly from pure romantic comedy to a more historical, dramatic ensemble piece, similar in scope to *The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel* but with a stronger narrative focus on female empowerment and community.

2. The 'Jimi' Biopic (Status: TBA)

Another project listed on Parker's upcoming credits is a film titled *Jimi*. While specific details are scarce and the status is currently "TBA," the title suggests a potential biopic, possibly about the legendary musician Jimi Hendrix, or a completely original story. This indicates Parker's interest in exploring different genres outside of his established comfort zone.

3. Time and a Half (Status: TBA)

Similar to *Jimi*, the project *Time and a Half* is another title associated with Parker's future directorial work. Without a current production status or cast announcement, it remains a placeholder for a future venture. These projects demonstrate a broad range of development activity behind the scenes for the director.

4. Mamma Mia 3 (The Ever-Present Possibility)

While not formally announced as his next project, the shadow of *Mamma Mia 3* constantly looms over Parker's career. As the writer and director of the critically and commercially successful sequel, *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again*, he is the natural choice to return.

• The Legacy: The first sequel was a critical box office hit, grossing nearly $400 million worldwide.
• The Intention: Parker has openly discussed the possibility of a third film, often stating his willingness to return to the world of ABBA and the fictional island of Kalokairi, provided the story is right and the original cast can be reassembled. This remains a highly anticipated, though unconfirmed, future project.

The Ol Parker Formula: Why His Films Consistently Succeed

Ol Parker has developed a signature style that makes his films reliable hits. His work is often cited for its ability to blend genuine emotion with broad, accessible humor, creating a cinematic experience that is both escapist and deeply human.

The Power of the Ensemble Cast

Parker excels at managing large groups of high-profile actors, a skill evident in *The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel*, which starred Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, and Bill Nighy, and *Ticket to Paradise*, which reunited Julia Roberts and George Clooney.

• Chemistry is Key: His scripts and direction prioritize the interaction and chemistry between characters, making the audience feel like they are part of a warm, extended family or community.
• The 'Marigold Hotel' Effect: The success of the Marigold Hotel series, which Parker wrote, proved his ability to create a world where older, established stars could shine in a heartwarming, international setting.

Crafting the Perfect 'Escapism' Experience

From the sun-drenched beauty of Greece in *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again* to the tropical vistas of Bali (filmed in Australia) in *Ticket to Paradise*, Parker's films are fundamentally about cinematic escapism. He uses exotic, vibrant locations as a backdrop for stories about second chances, finding love late in life, and the joy of music and community. This formula is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and has made him one of the most bankable directors in the romantic comedy and musical genres today.

As the production of *Office Romance* moves forward with Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein, and with the ambitious adaptation of *The Giver of Stars* on the horizon, Ol Parker’s influence on feel-good cinema is only set to grow. His ability to attract top-tier talent and deliver heartfelt, commercially successful films ensures that his current slate of projects will be eagerly awaited by audiences worldwide.