After nearly three decades since they shared the screen in the beloved 1995 teen comedy Clueless, actors Paul Rudd and Jeremy Sisto are reuniting in a new indie film titled Rain Reign — and fans are already buzzing with excitement.
The upcoming drama, directed by indie filmmaker Lila Gerstein, promises an emotional and intimate story about family, forgiveness, and finding peace in unexpected places. Rudd and Sisto, who played romantic rivals in Clueless, will now portray estranged brothers brought back together by tragedy and a shared responsibility: caring for a neurodivergent child after the passing of a relative.
A Full-Circle Reunion
Their last collaboration was in Clueless, where Paul Rudd portrayed the charming and intellectual Josh, while Jeremy Sisto played Elton, the self-centered classmate. Though their roles never overlapped significantly in terms of screen time, their association with the cult classic has tied them together in pop culture memory.
Now, almost 30 years later, the duo is returning to a much different kind of project. “It’s surreal and emotional,” Rudd said in an interview. “Jeremy and I both come from such different places in our careers now, but stepping onto set together again was like no time had passed.”
Sisto, who has since made a name for himself in series like FBI and Six Feet Under, added:
“Working with Paul again was both nostalgic and inspiring. We’re older, hopefully wiser, and this film gave us the space to explore that emotional depth.”
What Is Rain Reign About?
Based on the acclaimed novel by Ann M. Martin, Rain Reign tells the story of Rose, a young girl with autism who is obsessed with homonyms and prime numbers. After a family tragedy, she’s left in the care of two unprepared uncles (played by Rudd and Sisto) who must put aside their differences to do what’s best for her.
The film explores the challenges of raising a neurodivergent child in a world that often misunderstands her, while also shining a light on grief, reconciliation, and second chances. With its blend of subtle humor and raw emotion, Rain Reign is already being described by early critics as “an indie gem with awards potential.”
An Indie Passion Project
Director Lila Gerstein, best known for her work on The Bold Type and Parenthood, called the film a “deeply personal story” and praised Rudd and Sisto’s chemistry as one of the emotional anchors of the project. “They bring warmth, tension, and authenticity to their roles. It’s a reunion audiences won’t expect — and won’t forget.”
The film was shot over six weeks in upstate New York with a modest budget and a small crew — a sharp contrast to the big-budget studio films Rudd has become known for, like Ant-Man and Avengers: Endgame. But that’s part of what drew him to the project.
“This isn’t about special effects or big box office numbers,” Rudd said. “It’s about storytelling. Honest, human storytelling.”
When Will It Release?
Rain Reign is currently in post-production and is expected to premiere on the festival circuit in early 2026, with hopes for a limited theatrical release and streaming deal soon after. Industry insiders are already eyeing it as a potential awards contender in acting and screenplay categories.
For fans of Clueless, the Rudd–Sisto reunion is a nostalgic treat. But for a new generation of viewers, Rain Reign may just introduce them to a different, more dramatic side of these two seasoned actors.
