The one where Courteney Cox’s daughter Coco Arquetteis an acting genius.
The Friends alum detailed her experience being the 22-year-old’s director on the set of their crime thriller Evil Genius, explaining why she didn’t need to use her maternal instinct to protect Coco on set.
“I would say not mama bear,” Courteney exclusively told E! News at the world premiere of her movie during the Toronto International Film Festival Sept. 12. “I would be more like, ‘Get it together!’ No, I’m just kidding.”
“She holds her own,”—who shares Coco with ex-husband David Arquette— added. “I don’t need to be protective of her.”
And according to the Scream actress, she wasn’t the only one singing Coco’s praises on set.
“Of course, I loved having Coco on set. Everybody loved her,” Courteney explained. “She’s just a little force, but she’s an incredible actor.”
But her daughter wasn’t the only member of her acting family who appears in Evil Genius, which tells the story of the 2003 “pizza bomber” case.
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After all, Courteney’s former sister-in-law Patricia Arquette stars as the lead opposite David Harbour, while the Cougar Town alum’s niece Harlow Jane also has a supporting role in the independent film.
And Courteney couldn’t be more grateful for the love and support she’s received for the project, which marks her second feature film as a director.
“Everyone came out to support me. I feel so blessed,” she shared. “I had more friends, musicians, people that did favors for me, and then I was able to get this incredible cast.”
Sonia Recchia/ for Don Julio Tequila
Ultimately, the 62-year-old—who also co-produced hte project—is looking forward for the world to see the finished product.
“This has been such a great experience,” Courteney emphasized. “It’s been hard and great, and I can’t wait to see it with a bunch of people. I’m nervous and excited.”
For more star-studded sightings from the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival, keep reading…
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