What Happened to The Big Sick?
The Big Sick is a critically acclaimed 2017 romantic comedy-drama film based on the real-life courtship between comedian Kumail Nanjiani and writer Emily V. Gordon, who also co-wrote the screenplay. It garnered significant praise for its authentic portrayal of an interracial relationship and cultural differences, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The film's success propelled the careers of its creators, who continue to work on various projects in film and television as of late 2026.
Quick Answer
The Big Sick, a 2017 romantic comedy-drama, was a critical and commercial success, earning an Oscar nomination for its screenplay by Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, based on their true story. The film was lauded for its fresh take on interracial relationships and cultural assimilation. As of 2026, Nanjiani and Gordon continue to collaborate on new projects, including the upcoming comedy 'Compulsive Liar,' while director Michael Showalter and producer Judd Apatow remain active in the industry with several recent and forthcoming releases.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
World Premiere at Sundance Film Festival
The Big Sick had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, receiving widespread critical acclaim and securing a $12 million distribution deal with Amazon Studios.
Wins Audience Award at SXSW
The film screened at South by Southwest (SXSW) and won an Audience Award in the Festival Favorites category.
Limited Theatrical Release
Amazon Studios and Lionsgate began a limited theatrical release of 'The Big Sick' in select cities, achieving the best per-theater average of 2017 at the time.
Wide Theatrical Release
The film expanded to a wide theatrical release across the United States, continuing its strong box office performance.
Wins Critics' Choice Award for Best Comedy
Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon's screenplay for 'The Big Sick' won the Critics' Choice Award for Best Comedy.
Academy Award Nomination
The Big Sick received an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay, recognizing the writing talents of Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon.
Sequel Discussions Revealed
Kumail Nanjiani revealed that he and Emily V. Gordon had been approached about a sequel to 'The Big Sick,' but they were hesitant as their lives had become 'boring' after the events of the first film.
New Romantic Comedy Script Announced
It was confirmed that Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon were writing a new romantic comedy script, their first feature collaboration since 'The Big Sick.'
'Compulsive Liar' Set Up at Amazon MGM Studios
Nanjiani and Gordon's new romantic comedy, titled 'Compulsive Liar,' was officially set up with Amazon MGM Studios, with Nanjiani also attached to star and co-produce.
Kumail Nanjiani to Make Directorial Debut with 'Howl'
It was announced that Kumail Nanjiani would make his directorial debut with the horror-comedy feature 'Howl,' for which scripting was underway.
Kumail Nanjiani's 'See You When I See You' Premieres
Kumail Nanjiani starred in Jay Duplass's comedy film 'See You When I See You,' which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
Kumail Nanjiani Appears in 'The Breadwinner'
The comedy film 'The Breadwinner,' featuring Kumail Nanjiani in a supporting role, was released in the United States.
Michael Showalter's 'Verity' Premieres
Michael Showalter's psychological thriller 'Verity,' starring Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson, had its premiere in London, with a US release scheduled for October 2, 2026.
Judd Apatow's 'Paralyzed By Hope' Trailer Released
The trailer for 'Paralyzed By Hope: The Maria Bamford Story,' a documentary co-directed by Judd Apatow, was released, ahead of its October 23, 2026, streaming debut on Netflix.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Released in 2017, 'The Big Sick' emerged as a groundbreaking romantic comedy-drama, chronicling the real-life love story of Pakistan-born comedian Kumail Nanjiani and American writer Emily V. Gordon. The film, co-written by the couple and directed by Michael Showalter, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2017, where it was met with widespread critical acclaim and sparked a $12 million distribution deal with Amazon Studios, marking the second-largest deal of the festival that year.
The film's success can be attributed to its authentic and heartfelt narrative, which deftly balanced humor with the serious themes of cultural clash, family expectations, and a life-threatening illness. It resonated with audiences and critics alike for its honest depiction of an interracial relationship and the challenges Kumail faced in balancing his traditional Pakistani Muslim family's expectations for an arranged marriage with his love for Emily. The performances by Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan (as Emily), Holly Hunter, and Ray Romano were particularly praised, with Hunter and Romano receiving significant attention for their roles as Emily's parents.
'The Big Sick' went on to gross $56.2 million worldwide against a $5 million budget, becoming one of the highest-grossing independent films of 2017. It received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay for Nanjiani and Gordon, and a Critics' Choice Award for Best Comedy. Its impact extended beyond awards, contributing to discussions about South Asian representation in Hollywood and offering a nuanced portrayal of assimilation in America.
In the years following 'The Big Sick,' the careers of its key creative talents have continued to flourish. Kumail Nanjiani has taken on diverse roles in major franchises, including Marvel's 'Eternals' (2021), 'Obi-Wan Kenobi' (2022), and 'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' (2024). As of 2026, Nanjiani has several projects in the pipeline, including starring in Jay Duplass's 'See You When I See You,' which premiered at Sundance in January 2026, and appearing in 'The Breadwinner,' released in May 2026. He is also set to make his directorial debut with the horror-comedy 'Howl' and is involved in the Prime Video series 'Sex Criminals.'
Emily V. Gordon has continued her writing and producing career. In November 2025, it was announced that she and Nanjiani are co-writing and co-producing a new romantic comedy titled 'Compulsive Liar' for Amazon MGM Studios, with Nanjiani also set to star. Michael Showalter, the film's director, has helmed several notable projects, including 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye' (2021) and 'The Dropout' (2022). In 2026, Showalter directed the psychological thriller 'Verity,' starring Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson, which premiered in September 2026 and is scheduled for a US release on October 2, 2026. Producer Judd Apatow has also remained highly active, with his documentary 'Paralyzed By Hope: The Maria Bamford Story' having its trailer released in September 2026, ahead of an October 23, 2026, Netflix release. Apatow is also directing 'The Comeback King,' starring Glen Powell and Kumail Nanjiani, slated for a February 2027 release. The enduring success and ongoing careers of the team behind 'The Big Sick' underscore its lasting impact on their professional trajectories and the broader entertainment landscape.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if The Big Sick made different choices?