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Entertainment • Film

The Proposal

The Proposal is a 2009 American romantic comedy film directed by Anne Fletcher and written by Peter Chiarelli.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Proposal is a 2009 American romantic comedy film directed by Anne Fletcher and written by Peter Chiarelli. Starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, it follows a Canadian book editor who tries to avoid deportation by arranging a sham engagement to her assistant.

Premise

The plot centres on Margaret Tate, a demanding book editor who faces deportation to Canada after her visa is denied. She convinces her assistant, Andrew Paxton, to marry her so she can remain in the United States. The story is set partly in Alaska, where Andrew’s family lives.

Cast and characters

Sandra Bullock plays Margaret Tate, a Canadian publishing executive in New York. Ryan Reynolds plays Andrew Paxton, Margaret’s assistant who agrees to the fake engagement. Supporting performances include Malin Åkerman, Craig T. Nelson, Mary Steenburgen and Betty White. The ensemble helps drive the film’s workplace and family-comedy elements.

Release and reception

The Proposal was released in theatres on June 19, 2009, and performed strongly at the box office. It grossed more than $317 million worldwide against a reported $40 million budget. The film was rated PG-13 in the United States.

Production

The film was directed by Anne Fletcher from a screenplay by Peter Chiarelli. It was produced by Touchstone Pictures with involvement from Mandeville Films and Kurtzman/Orci Productions, and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Key facts

  • The film was released in 2009 and became a commercial success.
  • Sandra Bullock plays Margaret Tate, a Canadian publishing executive in New York.
  • Ryan Reynolds plays Andrew Paxton, Margaret’s assistant who agrees to the fake engagement.
  • The story is set partly in Alaska, where Andrew’s family lives.
  • The film was produced by Touchstone Pictures and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
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Canadian context

The film’s plot centres on a Canadian character, Margaret Tate, whose immigration status in the United States drives the story.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Proposal about?
It follows a Canadian book editor who risks deportation and persuades her assistant to fake an engagement by marrying her.
Who directed The Proposal?
Anne Fletcher directed the film.
Who stars in The Proposal?
Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds play the leads, with Malin Åkerman, Craig T. Nelson, Mary Steenburgen and Betty White in supporting roles.
When was The Proposal released?
It was released in theatres on June 19, 2009.
How successful was The Proposal?
It was a box office success, earning more than $317 million worldwide.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Proposal_(2009_film)
    Supports: Basic film identification, year, director, writer, cast, plot premise, production companies, and worldwide box office.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10010458-proposal
    Supports: Release date, director, rating, runtime, genre, box office, and synopsis.
  3. Movie Insider — https://www.movieinsider.com/m2964/the-proposal
    Supports: Release date, plot summary, cast, and DVD/Blu-ray release timing.
  4. The Knot — https://www.theknot.com/content/proposal-movie
    Supports: Romantic comedy description, leads, and Canadian character premise.