Meg Ryan to debut as director with ‘Into the Beautiful’

[HMG Celebrity News] – Following the global domination of ‘When Harry Met Sally’ Meg Ryan became one of the most popular  stars in all of Hollywood. But her next film ‘Into the Beautiful’ sees her follow the lead of Drew Barrymore and Jodie Foster and become the director.

Described by Variety as “a contemporary ‘Big Chill’ with long-time friends reconnecting,” the new film is being produced by Wendy Fineman who co-produced ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ in 2006, and Wendy sounds eager to start;

“I’m often drawn to pictures that make you laugh and cry,” she told the scribes. “I think this is the perfect project for Meg. She’s poignant and funny and heartfelt.”

Despite currently having no cast the movie is due to start shooting in New York state in September. So far, Meg has resisted the urge to copy Hitchcock and appear in the movie herself. But that can change.

After the box-office gold of ‘When Harry Met Sally,’ ‘Sleepless in Seattle,’ and ‘You’ve Got Mail,’ Meg’s last two films – 2008′s tedious remake ‘The Women’ and ‘Serious Moonlight’ from 2009 – were trashed by the critics, and you can bet they’ll be happy to pounce if this new movie shows any flaws. So this is no easy job for Meg.

But her personal life is more settled – She’s been romantically linked with John Mellencamp since last winter and her fans are expecting news of a ring. Six weeks in the wilds of New York with this film should give them time to consider, so Meg’s life could be about to improve on both fronts.

If you’re a fan of Ms. Ryan – and who isn’t – let’s get your input on this…