Breaking New Ground: ‘My Old Ass’ Director Megan Park’s Journey from Actor to Acclaimed Filmmaker
As a news reporter covering the entertainment industry, I’m excited to share the remarkable story of Megan Park, who has successfully transitioned from a 20-year acting career to become one of today’s most promising filmmakers.
Her latest creation, “My Old Ass,” now streaming on Prime Video, has captured audiences’ hearts and earned an impressive 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The journey of this Canadian filmmaker is truly inspiring. Born in the small town of Lindsay, Ontario, Park started as an actor with roles in “Charlie Bartlett” and TV shows like “Life with Derek.” However, her true calling emerged behind the camera, where she discovered her passion for storytelling.
“My Old Ass” tells the story of 18-year-old Elliott (played by Maisy Stella), who encounters her 39-year-old self (Aubrey Plaza) during a mushroom trip. The film cleverly blends comedy with deep emotional moments, featuring a Justin Bieber cover and thought-provoking life lessons.
What makes this film special is its authentic approach to storytelling. Park wrote the screenplay during the pandemic while staying in her childhood bedroom—a fitting environment for a story about appreciating life’s present moments. “I didn’t set out to make a tearjerker,” Park explains. “I just wanted to tell a story about a young woman in conversation with her older self.”
The film’s success isn’t just about its touching story. LuckyChap Entertainment, Margot Robbie’s production company, played a key role in bringing Park’s vision to life.
They gave her the freedom to cast newcomer Maisy Stella first—an unusual move in traditional filmmaking where famous names typically take priority.
Park’s directing style sets her apart in Hollywood. She maintains a calm environment, often reminding her crew that they’re “not saving lives.” Her experience as an actor, along with this approach, enables her to foster a safe environment that fosters creativity.
The film’s impact has exceeded expectations. Audiences are deeply connecting with its themes of family, growth, and self-discovery. As lead actor Maisy Stella notes, “It was one of my favorite experiences. The constant presence of female energy was both inspiring and safe for me.
Looking ahead, Park’s future in filmmaking looks bright. With a new project already in development and a growing reputation for creating emotionally resonant stories, she’s proving that sometimes the best career moves involve completely changing direction.
For aspiring filmmakers, Park’s journey offers valuable lessons: embrace your unique path, trust your creative instincts, and don’t be afraid to switch gears when passion points you in a new direction. As “My Old Ass” continues to win hearts on Prime Video, it’s clear that Megan Park has found her true calling behind the camera.
This story of reinvention and success reminds us that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams, even if they look different from where you started. Park’s evolution from actor to director shows that sometimes the most rewarding paths are the ones we least expect.