The War of the Roses heads to Disney+ on May 29, 2026. Directed by Jay Roach and scripted by Tony McNamara, this dramatic comedy, led by Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch, reimagines Warren Adler’s novel, which had already been brought to the big screen in 1989 under the title The War of the Roses.
The War of the Roses
Film | 2025
Streaming on Disney+ on May 29, 2026
Drama-comedy | Runtime: 1h45
Directed by Jay Roach | Screenplay by Tony McNamara
Starring Olivia Colman, Benedict Cumberbatch, Andy Samberg
Original title: The Roses
Nationality: United States, United Kingdom
Ivy and Theo cut an image of the perfect couple: thriving careers, a solid marriage, and happy, well-adjusted kids. But the balance starts to crumble when Theo’s career collapses just as Ivy’s takes off. Long-buried frustrations, rivalries and resentments finally spark an open, all-out war within their marriage.
This new version isn’t presented as a mere remake of the 1989 film starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, but as a contemporary reimagining of Warren Adler’s novel. Jay Roach, known for his popular comedies before moving into more political territory, returns here with a caustic edge, in a screenplay by Tony McNamara, who has previously worked on The Favourite and Poor Things.
The film centers on the duo formed by Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch, longtime friends brought together here to play a couple in crisis. Andy Samberg rounds out the main cast, alongside Kate McKinnon, Allison Janney, Sunita Mani and Ncuti Gatwa. The score is composed by Theodore Shapiro, who reunites with Jay Roach after Dalton Trumbo and Bombshell.
The War of the Roses may appeal to fans of dramedies flavored with black humor, tales of a tense relationship, and domestic satires centered on social status, ego, and power dynamics.
Trailer for The War of the Roses:
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