Jamie Lee Curtis sparked concern among her followers this weekend after sharing a Jamie Lee Curtis Instagram post that led many to believe something had happened to Woody Harrelson. On Saturday, the Oscar-winning actress posted a black-and-white image of her Ella McCay co-star to promote their upcoming film, unintentionally causing confusion among fans.
Jamie Lee Curtis Uses Instagram to Spotlight “Ella McCay”
The 67-year-old actress, known for her role in the “Freaky Friday” franchise, highlighted Woody Harrelson in her recent social media update as part of the campaign for the upcoming political comedy-drama “Ella McCay.” In her caption, she stated,
“The very talented and funny #woodyharrelson is the flashpoint of conflict in the new comedy from James L Brooks #ellamccay @disney ,”
Jamie Lee Curtis, Actress. The film, directed by James L. Brooks and featuring an ensemble cast that includes Emma Mackey, Jack Lowden, Kumail Nanjiani, Ayo Edebiri, Julie Kavner, Spike Fearn, Rebecca Hall, and Albert Brooks, is set for release on December 12.
Continuing her promotional message, Curtis wrote,
“The movie comes out December 12 in theaters and is a relatable tale of families and how to survive them. I think we all can identify,”
Jamie Lee Curtis, Actress. She also mentioned her plans to share more of her photography, saying,
“I’m going to start posting my portraits,”
Jamie Lee Curtis, Actress.
Fans React to the Black-and-White Photo
Despite Curtis’s intentions, the image led to widespread misunderstanding in the comments. Many followers interpreted the somber black-and-white photo as a memorial, resulting in dozens expressing shock and distress. One fan wrote,

“God sake, Jamieeee. I’ll had a heart attack,”
user, Instagram commenter. Another responded,
“Jamie, girl I thought this was a memorial post,”
user, Instagram commenter. A different user added,
“Jesus Christ don’t do this I thought he died! Jamie! Girl!”
user, Instagram commenter. Yet another urged,
“Don’t be posting black & white photographs!”
user, Instagram commenter.
Curtis Continues Her Series of Portraits
Unmoved by fans’ reactions, Jamie Lee Curtis proceeded to publish additional black-and-white shots of other cast members, such as Ayo Edebiri, Spike Fearn, and Jack Lowden. She used these posts to highlight their performances in the film. Regarding her younger co-stars, Curtis remarked,
“The young lovers in James L. Brooks new comedy ELLA MCCAY @disney #ellamccay @ayoedebiri #spikefearn bring so much to the film,”
Jamie Lee Curtis, Actress. She added,
“It’s so fun to watch new talent emerge and grow right in front of your eyes,”
Jamie Lee Curtis, Actress.
In a separate tribute to Jack Lowden, she shared,
“The talented @jack.lowden has the UNENVIABLE task of being a rogue douche dude from teen to man in the new COMEDY from James L Brooks ELLA MACCAY and he does it with such charm and panache you ALMOST buy his BS. What fun to watch!”
Jamie Lee Curtis, Actress.
About “Ella McCay”
“Ella McCay” centers on an idealistic young politician who faces the dual challenges of family turmoil and a demanding role as she prepares to succeed her mentor, the state’s long-standing governor. The film promises to explore themes of political ambition, personal responsibility, and the impact familial relationships have on public service. As the premiere date approaches, anticipation grows for both the movie’s debut and Jamie Lee Curtis’s ongoing promotion of its cast and story.

