According to reports from the ballpark, the production turned a Mets-Dodgers series into a Hollywood stage, featuring game-day aesthetic adjustments and a surprise cameo from Mets slugger Juan Soto.
Filming at Citi Field Transforms the Mets and Dodgers Series
On Friday, July 24, 2026, cameras rolled at Citi Field before and during the game between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers, capturing authentic ballpark atmosphere for the upcoming feature film. The production heavily influenced game-day details, notably with the Mets wearing their classic white home uniforms instead of their usual Friday black jerseys to match the aesthetic requirements of the film, according to Medianewsjournal. Fans arriving at the venue encountered signage warning them that staying in designated areas constituted consent to appear as extras in The Catch without compensation or credit. One season-ticket holder was even relocated so Stone and Pine could shoot scenes directly in his section.
Juan Soto Makes a Surprise Cameo in the Dugout
The biggest surprise of the shoot involved Mets superstar Juan Soto, who stepped in for a cameo appearance during the game-day operations. The slugger filmed multiple takes of a scene inside the home dugout, where he was spotted staring out at the field before walking down the steps toward the clubhouse. Newsday sports reporter Ben Dickson captured the moment on X, posting: “Add ‘actor’ to Juan Soto’s resume. Looks like he is involved with the movie being filmed at Citi Field. Believe it’s called ‘The Catch.’” Footage shared by SNY Mets also showed the outfielder sharing an on-camera hug with Emma Stone.
Plot Details and Star-Studded Cast Supporting the Project
Directed by Dave McCary and set for a theatrical release on May 21, 2027, The Catch is produced through McCary and Stone’s Fruit Tree banner alongside Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps. Early industry buzz describes the project as a modern blend of Bull Durham and Notting Hill. Reports indicate that Stone plays a passionate fan who accidentally interferes with a crucial play—evoking a fictionalized twist on the infamous Steve Bartman incident—leaving her as public enemy number one while she navigates media scrutiny and an unexpected romance with Chris Pine’s character. The supporting cast features Tim Robbins returning to baseball cinema following his iconic turn in Bull Durham, alongside Sissy Spacek, Saturday Night Live breakout Ashley Padilla as Stone’s sister, and comedian Druski as Stone’s security guard.
Production Background and What Comes Next
The project marks a return to pure romantic comedy territory for Stone, who produces alongside her husband under their banner. Principal photography will continue across selected locations as Universal Pictures builds toward the film’s scheduled release date in May 2027. Fans and moviegoers can expect further casting announcements and production updates as principal photography moves through its scheduled phases across Major League Baseball venues.
