10 Unexpected Actors Making Directorial Debuts In 2019

5. Amy Poehler - Wine Country

Booksmart Olivia Wilde
Richard Shotwell/AP

If you’ve been following Amy Poehler’s career closely, this won’t come as too much of a surprise to you. She’s already co-created her own show (Russian Doll), as well as directing episodes of Parks & Recreation and Broad City, also penning several episodes of Parks.

She’s a prime candidate amongst Hollywood stars to become a director, but perhaps because of her sunny disposition and relaxed, easy going nature, people don’t always reckon with her diverse talent. Those who aren’t aware of the various roles she’s filled in her career might be surprised to see the comedy star step behind the lens.

In Wine Country though, she’s definitely playing to her strengths so should be able to call on that Parks and Broad City experience. As well as herself, fellow funny women Rachel Dracht, Maya Rudolph and Poehler’s frequent collaborator Tina Fey all star in this tale of girl friends heading to Napa Valley to celebrate a 50th birthday.

Releasing on Netflix May 10th, the movie isn’t likely to tear up any trees but might just find some traction with the right audience. Poehler is an expert at female centric comedy, so there aren’t many better to guide this one.

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Self appointed queen of the SJWs. Find me on Twitter @FiveTacey (The 5 looks like an S. Do you get it? Do you get my joke about the 5?)