Romantic comedies live and die by chemistry — not just between the leads, but across an entire ensemble. In Office Romance, the cast brings the heat: Jennifer Lopez and Brett Goldstein are center stage as Jackie Cruz and Daniel Blanchflower, two star-crossed colleagues who try their best to overpower the romantic spark between them. As Jackie and Daniel share loaded glances, there’s a stacked group of scene-stealers, awkward co-workers, and chaotic personalities who bring the office setting to life.
From hilariously uncomfortable HR interventions to intercompany rivalries, each splash of comedy is fueled by the fast-paced dynamics of Office Romance’s supporting characters. “There’s a real thrill for me, about 35 minutes into the movie: You cut to the HR door of AirCruz, and behind it, there’s Tony Hale. You’re like, ‘Oh, that is a deep bench.’ Even later in the film, there’s Amy Sedaris. And I’ve just always thought Betty Gilpin is a genius,” says director Ol Parker. “Everyone kept saying yes to this project. It’s a testament to the writing. And to Jennifer. Everyone is really keen to work with her. And they want to say the lines written by Brett and [co-writer] Joe Kelly.”
The result is a classic ensemble rom-com in which each character is just as memorable — and just as funny — as the next. Read on to see who plays whom in this delightful new film.
A sharp, impeccably composed airline CEO who built her company from scratch alongside her Navy pilot father. Jackie projects total control, but beneath the polished exterior, she buries her vulnerability in relentless work.
“She’s the boss. She built this company and has made something of herself,” says Lopez. “It’s usually the woman who’s kind of hoping to be saved in these romantic comedies. And it wasn’t that at all. She’s very powerful. She has her own life. She’s not really looking for love.”
But will she find (office) romance anyway?
Maid in Manhattan, The Wedding Planner, Monster-in-Law
A polished, deeply principled British lawyer whose ambition is matched only by his devotion to the rules — until he meets Jackie. Suddenly, Daniel’s professionalism and carefully maintained composure begin to crack.
“There’s an accusation that can be made against workaholics, which is it’s a way of avoiding real life,” Goldstein, who also co-wrote Office Romance, says. “The film is about the difficulty of revealing yourself to someone you love and how, if you allow yourself to be vulnerable, then maybe that will bring you closer.”
Ted Lasso, Thor: Love and Thunder, Shrinking
Jackie’s trusted second-in-command. Sydney is sharp, relentlessly capable, and allergic to unnecessary drama — particularly when Daniel is involved.
“Betty is obviously brilliant in everything she does, but I’m thrilled about her role in this,” says Parker. “She’s so inventive.”
AirCruz’s hardscrabble lawyer who has so much to say, he can’t stop talking to properly chew his food. But Peter’s unexpected meeting with a food truck breakfast burrito creates an huge opportunity for Daniel at AirCruz.
Death by Lightning, The Diplomat, The West Wing
The perpetually horrified HR director tasked with keeping the office both ethical and lawsuit-free. The employees of AirCruz, however, might just test his mettle.
Arrested Development, Toy Story 5
Clair is Brett’s American assistant who reveres Jackie — and is a bit too TMI for Brett’s British ways, alright?
The Residence, Star Trek: Discovery
Edward James Olmos as Captin Jack Cruz (left)
Jackie’s father and the larger-than-life founder of AirCruz. Captain Jack is a celebrated businessman whose towering legacy casts a long shadow over Jackie as she struggles to live up to the empire he built.
“When Edward walks in the room,” says Lopez, “people are just happy that he’s there.”
Selena, Bladerunner
Lizzy is Daniel’s troublemaker sister, whose past greatly impacts her brother’s present. At least Daniel always knows where to find Lizzy.
Doctor Who, Broadchurch
Jackie’s chief competitor at rival airline Falcon Air. William’s lawsuit against her company looms large over the entire story.
30 Rock, The Producers, Desperate Housewives
Julie is one of the first people to see what a beautiful couple Jackie and Daniel could be. Lucky her!
Elf, Strangers with Candy, BoJack Horseman
The attorney for Falcon Air. Carl pursues a legal strategy that focuses on Jackie’s personal life more than her business acumen.
Suits, Billions
Tanya is Daniel’s not-so-great first date who loves two things a bit too much: Taylor Dayne songs and on-the-rocks margaritas. She would love it if you agreed to dance with her.
Black Mirror
When Jackie approaches Larry for a strategic business pitch, he incorrectly assumes it’s romantic. Their sensible dinner quickly devolves into an evening vent session about Larry’s ex-wife.
Happy Gilmore, Drop Dead Gorgeous, Young Sheldon
An AirCruz board member, Francisco questions Jackie’s ability to lead the company.
Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives, Three Amigos
