You see it all the time. A red carpet flashes, the cameras go wild for Elizabeth Banks in some architectural Versace gown, and there, standing a polite three feet to the left, is a guy who looks like he might be her lawyer or perhaps a very well-dressed tech executive.
That’s Max Handelman.
And if you think he’s just "the husband," you’re missing the entire engine behind one of the most successful independent production streaks in modern Hollywood. Honestly, their story isn't the typical Tinseltown fluff. It didn’t start at a high-stakes audition or a poolside party in Malibu. It started on a "steamy evening" in 1992 on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania.
The 40th and Spruce Meet-Cute
Most college romances have the shelf life of an open carton of milk. But Max Handelman and Elizabeth Banks are the exception that proves the rule. They met on their very first day of college.
Banks has been hilariously candid about this. During a 2012 appearance on Conan, she basically admitted she was still dating her high school boyfriend when she met Max. She even joked—with Max’s full knowledge, of course—that she "basically cheated" on the high school guy with her now-husband.
It wasn't exactly a fairytale beginning. They were at a fraternity party on 40th and Spruce. The beer had run out. The brothers were literally kicking people out of the house. Max saw Elizabeth standing outside with his friend’s younger sister and told his buddy, "Let's go talk to your sister."
They’ve been "hanging out" ever since. That was over 33 years ago.
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From Wall Street to "Pitch Perfect"
Here’s where it gets interesting. Max Handelman wasn't always a movie guy. After Penn, he headed to UCLA for an MBA and ended up working as an investment banker. He was a numbers guy, a Wall Street type. He also had a massive obsession with fantasy football—so much so that he co-wrote a book titled Why Fantasy Football Matters: (And Our Lives Do Not).
Elizabeth, meanwhile, was grinding. She was getting roles in things like Wet Hot American Summer and Spider-Man, but she felt she had more ambition than the industry was giving her space for.
She eventually "dragged him into the industry," as she puts it.
They founded Brownstone Productions in 2002. It was a strategic move to actually see each other. Elizabeth was traveling six months a year for filming; Max was working 80-hour weeks in finance. If they didn't work together, they’d never be in the same room.
The Brownstone Success Story
They didn't just play at being producers. They built a literal empire.
- The Pitch Perfect Franchise: This is the crown jewel. They took a niche book about a cappella and turned it into a $500 million global phenomenon.
- Shrill: The critically acclaimed Hulu series starring Aidy Bryant.
- Cocaine Bear: Yes, they are the minds behind the 2023 cult hit about a bear on a drug bender.
- Charlie’s Angels (2019): While it didn't ignite the box office as hoped, it solidified Banks as a major studio director and Handelman as the producer who could manage the scale.
The "Broken Belly" and Choosing Surrogacy
While their professional life was skyrocketing, their personal life hit a wall that many couples know all too well: infertility.
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Elizabeth Banks has been incredibly open about what she calls her "broken belly." They tried for years to conceive. They did the rounds of fertility treatments. Nothing worked.
In a world where celebrities often hide the "how" of their family building, Banks and Handelman were refreshing. They welcomed their two sons, Felix and Magnus, via gestational surrogacy. Banks has often talked about the judgment she felt—and still feels—for not carrying her own children. But she’s also noted that once the baby is in your arms, you forget the path it took to get there.
Felix was born in 2011, and Magnus followed in 2012. Interestingly, they used the same surrogate for both boys. Banks views surrogacy not just as a personal miracle but as a political issue—the freedom for women to choose how their lives and families are shaped.
Why Their Partnership Actually Works
Hollywood is a graveyard for marriages. So, how do Max Handelman and Elizabeth Banks stay together for three decades while running a multi-million dollar business?
Honestly? It’s probably because they aren't trying to be "Hollywood."
They don't live in the tabloids. You don't see them in manufactured drama. They grew up together before the fame arrived. When they met, Elizabeth was still Elizabeth Mitchell (she changed her name because there was already an Elizabeth Mitchell in SAG). They were broke college kids.
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Banks told Porter magazine that the relationship is the thing she is "most proud of." She believes people either grow together or they grow apart. They made a conscious choice to grow together. They aligned their professional goals so that their personal lives wouldn't suffer.
What Most People Miss
People often assume that Max is just "handling the books" while Elizabeth does the creative work. That’s a massive oversimplification. Max is a "bloodhound for material," according to his wife. He’s the one scouting the scripts and the intellectual property that eventually becomes a Brownstone project.
They operate as a true 50/50 unit.
Max Handelman & Elizabeth Banks: Quick Facts
| Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|
| Met | 1992 (First day of college at UPenn) |
| Married | 2003 |
| Children | Two sons (Felix and Magnus) |
| Company | Brownstone Productions (Founded 2002) |
| Major Hits | Pitch Perfect, Shrill, Cocaine Bear |
How to Apply Their "Power Couple" Logic
You don't need a production company or a $50 million net worth to learn from these two. Their longevity comes down to a few very "un-celebrity" traits.
- Shared Vision: They didn't just "support" each other; they built a third thing—the company—that required both of them to succeed.
- Radical Honesty: Whether it's talking about cheating on a high school boyfriend or the reality of infertility, they don't sugarcoat the messy parts.
- The "Safety Net" Philosophy: Banks recently called Max her "true safety net" during a commencement speech at Penn. Knowing someone will catch you when a movie flops or a project fails is the only way to take the big risks they’ve taken.
If you’re looking for a blueprint on how to balance a high-octane career with a stable home life, you could do a lot worse than looking at the guy in the suit standing three feet to the left of the star. Max Handelman and Elizabeth Banks aren't just a marriage; they're a masterclass in long-term alignment.
Next Steps for Fans and Creators:
If you want to see their creative chemistry in action, keep an eye on the upcoming Brownstone slate. They are currently moving into the podcasting space with a first-look deal at Audible and have several high-concept series in development at Amazon and Warner Bros. Watching how they pivot from musical comedies to gritty thrillers is the best way to understand the "Handelman-Banks" brand of storytelling.