Chris Rock talks love and comeback at Misty Green New York premiere

Chris Rock says most people do not make it in Hollywood, and making it has little to do with fame.

Rock spoke to Variety at the New York Film Festival premiere of his new film Misty Green. Making it, he said, means his daughter having great kids and having love in your life. “If you got no love, you’re broke as f—k,” he said.

The film centres on a fictional actress trying to stage a Hollywood comeback after her career fades. Rosalind Eleazar plays Misty Green, described by the festival as an Emmy-winning former actress, according to FilmLinc.

Rock also stars. He plays a director who reunites with Misty years after getting her booted from a Cinderella remake. The two characters grow close over one awkward common ground. Neither can stay faithful in relationships.

Infidelity is central to the story, but Rock rejected the idea that it is a Hollywood problem. “It’s not a Hollywood thing, it’s just life,” he told Variety.

The budget was tight. Misty Green was made for $5 million and filmed in Los Angeles. Rock said shooting in Los Angeles helped him pull together a large ensemble cast.

That cast includes Adam Driver, Daniel Kaluuya, Anna Kendrick and Topher Grace. For Eleazar, the role is a step up. It is the first time she tops the call sheet on a feature film, meaning her name leads the cast list.

Rock wrote and directed the film, and is also credited as a producer. He has worked as a writer-director before. Here he stayed small and local to keep costs down and schedules workable.

What makes this stand out is the route to screens. Misty Green had its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival, per Reuters Connect. It then had its U.S. premiere at the 64th New York Film Festival, where it screened on 25 September.

Rock also addressed awards season on the sidelines of the festival circuit. He said he will not return to the Oscars unless he is nominated.