Owais Crawford
In the 2023 romantic comedy What Happens Later, directed by Meg Ryan, the actor behind the voice of the airport announcer, Hal Liggett, remains a mystery. The film stars Ryan and David Duchovny as ex-lovers who meet unexpectedly at an airport after years apart and are forced to spend the night together due to a snowstorm. While Ryan and Duchovny are the only two characters in the film, the voice of the airport announcer, credited as Hal Liggett, has sparked curiosity among viewers. Liggett's identity has been kept under wraps, with Ryan praising the unknown actor's performance, saying they put their heart and soul into the part.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Film Name | What Happens Later |
| Genre | Romantic Comedy |
| Lead Actors | Meg Ryan, David Duchovny |
| Director | Meg Ryan |
| Writer | Meg Ryan |
| Plot | Two ex-lovers meet at an airport and are stuck together overnight due to a snowstorm |
| Mystery Voice Actor | Credited as Hal Liggett, suspected to be a big name |
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What You'll Learn
The identity of the 'Airport Voice' actor is a mystery
The identity of the airport voice actor is a mystery to many travellers, but some have uncovered the person behind the famous voice. Carolyn Hopkins is the woman responsible for hundreds of airport announcements around the world. Her voice has been used at more than 250 airports globally since the 1980s, and she has been recording her messages for over 40 years. Hopkins' voice is described as mirthful and folksy, with a warmth that seems at odds with the typically sterile airport environment.
Despite her fame, Hopkins remains relatively unknown to the public. She records her announcements from the comfort of her home studio in Hampden, Maine, and sends them via email to ATLAS IED, a Kentucky-based global electronics manufacturer. IED, or Innovative Electronic Designs, is a small company based in Louisville, Kentucky that provides the announcement systems for numerous important public spaces in the United States and worldwide.
Hopkins was chosen as one of their first voices by IED co-founder Hardy Martin and has since become one of the most important people in history, according to Mental Floss Magazine. Her voice can be heard in hospitals, airports, and train stations, as well as on the New York City Subway, the MTA, and CTA. Interestingly, Hopkins has only ridden the New York City Subway once, in 1957.
Despite her fame, Hopkins remains humble about her contributions. In an interview with Here & Now's Jeremy Hobson, she attributed her success to her father, whom she often imitated as a child. She also acknowledged the importance of her work, stating that she is "very good at telling people to get the heck out of a place when it's on fire."
So, while the airport voice actor may initially seem like a mysterious figure, the person behind the voice is, in fact, a friendly and talented woman named Carolyn Hopkins, whose voice has become a familiar presence in airports and other public spaces around the world.
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Meg Ryan and David Duchovny play ex-lovers
Meg Ryan and David Duchovny star in the 2023 romantic comedy "What Happens Later", playing ex-lovers who unexpectedly reunite at an airport. The film is directed by Ryan and based on Steven Dietz's 2008 play "Shooting Star". It follows the story of former college lovers, Willa (played by Ryan) and Bill (played by Duchovny), who meet for the first time in years after a chance encounter at an airport. The pair are forced to spend the night together in the airport due to a surprise snowstorm, giving them the opportunity to confront their shared past.
The film explores the complexities of their relationship, highlighting how the very things they loved about each other were also the reasons for their breakup. This dynamic adds a layer of depth to the traditional romantic comedy tropes, creating a refreshing take on the genre. The small-budget production was filmed in Bentonville, Arkansas, and showcases the cinematography of Bartosz Nalazek, who Ryan praised for his talent and experimental approach.
In addition to directing and starring in the film, Ryan also co-wrote the script with Kirk Lynn, adapting it from Dietz's play. The story was further modernized by Ryan during the COVID-19 lockdowns, adding a contemporary layer to the narrative. Duchovny shared his enthusiasm for the project, particularly the opportunity to work with Ryan in a comedic role. He also joked about the pseudonym Hal Liggett, used for the yet-to-be-revealed actor who voiced the airport announcer, speculating that it could be a pseudonym for Barack Obama.
The film has received mixed reviews, with a score of 59 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating "mixed or average reviews". However, critics have praised the performances of Ryan and Duchovny, noting their on-screen chemistry and the refreshing take on the rom-com genre. "What Happens Later" offers a heartwarming and enchanting story, showcasing the magic that can unfold when former lovers are given a second chance.
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The film is directed by Meg Ryan
The film What Happens Later is directed by Meg Ryan. This is Ryan's second directorial outing, following her work on Ithaca in 2015. Ryan is best known for her roles in front of the camera, with starring roles in When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and You've Got Mail, amongst others.
What Happens Later is a romantic comedy starring Ryan and David Duchovny. The film follows ex-lovers Bill and Willa, who meet unexpectedly at an airport and get snowed in overnight. The only other cast member is the mysterious voice of the airport announcer, credited as Hal Liggett. This is a pseudonym, and the actor behind the voice has not been revealed by Ryan. The voice is described as "God-like", booming from the airport's PA system, and is integral to the film's narrative.
Ryan has described the voice actor as "an extremely generous performer", and said that "he got laughs". She also shared that the name Hal Liggett draws from the artificial intelligence HAL 9000 in the film 2001: A Space Odyssey. The actor's identity has been the subject of much speculation, with Jimmy Kimmel guessing it could be Tom Hanks. However, Duchovny denied this, and even said he did not know who voiced the airport announcer, as it was added in post-production.
What Happens Later marks Ryan's return to romantic comedies, a genre she dominated in the 1980s and 1990s. With her distinctive blonde hair and blue eyes, she became known as "America's Sweetheart" and was one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. Ryan's career began in 1981 with a minor role in Rich and Famous, and she soon landed a part in the soap opera As the World Turns. She went on to star in numerous films, including Top Gun, When Harry Met Sally, and Sleepless in Seattle, as well as producing and directing.
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The pair meet unexpectedly at an airport
As Alex stepped out of the airport, the crisp winter breeze ruffled through his hair, providing a refreshing break from the stuffy plane cabin. He pulled his coat tighter around himself and looked around, squinting slightly in the afternoon sun. He had almost given up hope of finding a familiar face in the bustling crowd when suddenly, he spotted her.
"Emma?" he called out, his voice laced with disbelief. It had been years since he had last seen her, yet here she was, standing right in front of him.
Emma turned at the sound of her name, her eyes widening in surprise. "Alex? Is that you?" She hurried over to him, her face lighting up with a smile. "I can't believe it! What are you doing here?"
Alex shook his head, still unable to fully process this unexpected reunion. "I could ask you the same question. I'm here for a work trip. What about you?"
As they chatted, the initial shock giving way to eager curiosity, they realized their paths had crossed in the most serendipitous way. Emma was returning from a conference, while Alex was on his way to meet a client. Their flights had been delayed, bringing them to this very moment.
"It's been too long," Emma said, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of nostalgia and newfound excitement. "Let's grab a coffee and catch up properly. There's so much to tell!"
And so, amidst the chaos of the airport, two old friends reconnected, sharing stories of their lives and creating new memories to cherish. It was a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the most wonderful things can happen when we least expect them.
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The film is a romantic comedy
"What Happens Later" is a romantic comedy film starring Meg Ryan and David Duchovny as ex-lovers, Willa and Bill, who meet unexpectedly at an airport after years of no contact. The film is directed by Meg Ryan and is dedicated to her friend Nora Ephron. It marks Ryan's return to film acting after an eight-year hiatus and her second directorial venture.
The film centres on the unexpected reunion of Willa and Bill, who find themselves snowed in at an airport overnight due to a surprise snowstorm. As they are stranded in the airport, they confront their past together, revisiting their romantic history. Willa also carries a secret—she gave up a daughter for adoption, and her cancelled flight was meant to take her to meet her for the first time.
Adding to the intrigue is the mysterious voice of the airport announcer, credited as Hal Liggett, which is a pseudonym for an actor whose identity has not been revealed. The announcer's voice, added in post-production, provides a God-like presence, offering commentary that complements the script's themes. The identity of the actor behind the voice has sparked curiosity, with speculation ranging from Tom Hanks to Barack Obama.
The film showcases Meg Ryan's directing style, blending sunny demeanour with a thread of melancholy, creating a bittersweet romantic comedy. It also features long scenes and continuous shooting amidst actual travellers in an airport, adding authenticity to the setting. "What Happens Later" promises a charming and humorous experience, with a spark between the lead characters and a surprise cameo that adds to the appeal of this romantic comedy.
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Frequently asked questions
What Happens Later is a romantic comedy starring Meg Ryan and David Duchovny as ex-lovers who meet unexpectedly at an airport after years apart.
The film is directed by Meg Ryan.
The identity of the airport announcer is a closely guarded secret. The voice is credited as Hal Liggett, a pseudonym for an actor whom Ryan does not want to reveal.
The name Hal Liggett is a nod to the artificial intelligence HAL 9000 from the 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Both Ryan and Duchovny praised the performer's work, with Ryan stating that the actor ""got laughs" and was an "extremely generous performer".
