On a crisp Tuesday in late October 2025, the usually serene surroundings of The Little Red Lighthouse in upper Manhattan were transformed into a lively movie set buzzing with energy and anticipation. British actor Callum Turner and his co-star Monica Barbaro were at the center of attention, caught on camera filming a passionate kiss for their upcoming romantic comedy, One Night Only. The pair’s chemistry was on full display as they waved from the top of the monument and shared an embrace that has already set tongues wagging across social media and entertainment news outlets.
According to Dailymail and Just Jared, the scene was just one of several lively moments shot that day, with Turner and Barbaro bringing the film’s bold premise to life. The movie, directed by Will Gluck—best known for his 2023 hit Anyone But You—has been in production for several weeks in New York. The project is based on Gluck’s rewrite of a Black List script originally penned by Travis Braun, and it promises to push the boundaries of the romantic comedy genre with its audacious storyline.
So, what’s the movie about? At its core, One Night Only tells the story of two strangers who, in the midst of a society with strict rules on intimacy, scramble to find someone to spend the night with—on the single day of the year when premarital sex is legally permitted. It’s a premise that’s as quirky as it is provocative, inviting audiences to imagine a world where love, desire, and legality collide in unexpected ways. As Deadline notes, while Gluck is making changes to the original script, the heart of the story remains this frantic, one-night search for connection.
Adding to the excitement is the involvement of comedian and actor Pete Davidson, who is set to play a detective in the film. Davidson’s character is expected to bring a dose of irreverent humor to the proceedings, though details about his exact role remain under wraps. The ensemble cast, paired with Gluck’s proven track record for witty, offbeat rom-coms, has already piqued the interest of fans and industry insiders alike.
Filming has been ongoing throughout October, with Turner spotted working alongside various cast members in New York’s iconic locations. But it was the scenes at The Little Red Lighthouse—an often-overlooked gem nestled under the George Washington Bridge—that truly captured the imagination of onlookers and photographers. The monument, with its storied history and picturesque setting, provided a dramatic backdrop for the film’s pivotal romantic moments.
While Turner and Barbaro’s on-screen chemistry is undeniable, it’s Turner’s real-life romance that has been making headlines of its own. In June 2025, Turner’s engagement to global pop superstar Dua Lipa was confirmed, ending months of speculation about the couple’s relationship status. The news sent fans into a frenzy, with many eager for details about how the two stars—seemingly from different worlds—came together.
In a candid interview with The Times, Turner, 35, opened up about the series of near-misses that almost prevented him from ever meeting Lipa. “We had two, three, four, five moments where we almost met, but it didn’t happen,” he revealed. He recounted one night in particular: “Once she was at a party and I went a little later. She left at 1:45 in the morning and I arrived at 2:00. We later realized when we saw her Uber and the picture I had taken in front of my friend’s house.”
Fate, it seems, had other plans. The couple finally connected at a mutual friend’s birthday party, where they discovered a shared love for literature—specifically, they were both reading the same chapter of Hernan Diaz’s novel Trust at the time. Reflecting on that serendipitous moment, Turner said, “In the film version of this story, I look up at the sky and say, ‘I heard you. I understood you. The signs are clear.’ And indeed, that was the first time.”
Dua Lipa herself has spoken about the special bond she shares with Turner. When their engagement was announced, she described the feeling as “The decision to grow up together, to share a life and, I don’t know, to be best friends forever—it’s a really special feeling.” The couple’s relationship, marked by genuine affection and a touch of destiny, has become a favorite topic for fans and the press alike.
Back on set, Turner remains focused on his craft, navigating the demands of a high-profile film shoot while balancing the public’s fascination with his personal life. For Monica Barbaro, the role in One Night Only represents another step forward in a career that’s seen her take on a variety of challenging and dynamic roles. Their collaboration, under Gluck’s direction, is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated romantic comedies of the coming year.
As for what audiences can expect, the film’s premise alone sets it apart from the typical rom-com fare. The idea of a society that restricts intimacy to a single, sanctioned night each year is ripe for both comedic mishaps and poignant moments. It raises questions about the nature of love and the arbitrary boundaries society places on relationships. Will Gluck’s previous work suggests he’s more than capable of balancing humor with heart, ensuring that One Night Only will offer more than just laughs.
The film’s scheduled premiere in summer 2026 is already generating buzz, with fans eager to see how Turner, Barbaro, and Davidson bring this unusual story to life. Industry observers are watching closely, noting that the combination of a daring script, a talented cast, and a director with a knack for reinvigorating the genre could make One Night Only a breakout hit.
In the meantime, New Yorkers and movie lovers alike can only speculate about what other surprises the production has in store. With each new photo and tidbit from the set, anticipation continues to build. For Turner and Barbaro, the whirlwind of filming in the city that never sleeps is just another chapter in the unfolding story of One Night Only—a film that promises to ask, and maybe answer, what people are willing to do for love when the clock is ticking.
With its bold premise, star-studded cast, and the real-life romance of its leading man capturing headlines, One Night Only looks set to be the rom-com event of 2026. Moviegoers will have to wait until next summer to see if the film delivers on its promise, but judging by the excitement on set and the chemistry between its stars, expectations are running high.