Fina Strazza to Star in and Produce Romantic Drama 'Any Way You Want Me'
Fina Strazza, renowned for her captivating performances in "Fear Street: Prom Queen" and "Paper Girls," is expanding her artistic horizons by stepping into the dual roles of lead actress and producer for the romantic drama "Any Way You Want Me." This cinematic endeavor marks a significant collaboration as her mother, Rana Strazza, helms the directorial duties. The film, currently in production in Toronto, is generating considerable buzz and is being presented to global distributors at the esteemed Toronto International Film Festival.
Romantic Drama 'Any Way You Want Me' Brings Mother-Daughter Duo to the Fore at TIFF
The burgeoning talent Fina Strazza, an actress celebrated for her work in "Fear Street: Prom Queen" and the series "Paper Girls," is set to star in and co-produce the forthcoming romantic drama, "Any Way You Want Me." Her mother, Rana Strazza, directs the film. On an eventful Sunday, September 13, 2026, the official announcement detailed Fina's portrayal of Billie Blake, a character who returns to her roots when her mother inherits a dress boutique. This shop is strategically located beside a diner owned by Billie's high school flame, Calvin Wilkes. The narrative unfolds as Billie confronts the intricate web of truths and deceptions that led to the demise of their past romance.
The film boasts a stellar supporting cast, including the accomplished Cobie Smulders, alongside Iris Apatow, Brian Altemus, and Callan Potter. Set against the picturesque backdrop of 1950s New England, "Any Way You Want Me" is presently being filmed in the vibrant city of Toronto. Concurrently, the film is actively being presented to potential international buyers at TIFF: The Market, signaling its global aspirations.
Fina Strazza shared her enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing the profound collaborative relationship with her mother. She lauded Rana as an exceptionally intelligent and diligent individual, uniquely qualified to craft the film's enchanting and emotionally authentic world. Fina expressed immense joy in co-producing and embodying Billie Blake in what she described as her mother's heartfelt homage to the cinematic works that have shaped her artistic vision.
The production of "Any Way You Want Me" is a joint effort by First Magnitude Films and Stagg Forrest Films. The executive producer team includes Matt Strazza, the film's writer and director Rana Strazza, and Jeff Cryder. Myrthin Stagg and Kate Forrest also hold producer credits for this anticipated romantic drama.
Rana Strazza commented on the film's essence, highlighting its appeal to both new and older generations who are increasingly drawn to the simpler allure of analog experiences and genuine human connection in an age dominated by hyper-connectivity. She described "Any Way You Want Me" as a straightforward love story, meticulously designed to evoke the charm and style of classic films from a bygone era.
A Timeless Romance in a Connected World: The Enduring Appeal of 'Any Way You Want Me'
This film's production highlights the enduring power of classic romance, even in our hyper-connected world. It reminds us that fundamental human emotions and narrative structures continue to resonate deeply, regardless of technological advancements. The mother-daughter collaboration between Rana and Fina Strazza underscores the beauty of shared artistic vision and familial support, adding a poignant layer to the film's creation. As audiences increasingly seek authentic connections and narratives that reflect simpler times, "Any Way You Want Me" has the potential to offer a comforting yet compelling viewing experience, proving that timeless stories, thoughtfully told, will always find their way into our hearts.
