Exclusive: The Flash star Danielle Nicolet is set to write and exec produce a feature adaptation of her short Black Karen for Kevin Hart‘s multi-platform media company, Hartbeat.
The short film, written by Nicolet and directed by Meagan Good (Prime Video’s Harlem), was created through Hartbeat’s comedic screenwriting fellowship Women Write Now, launched in 2021, which aims to champion the next generation of Black women in comedy.
Related Story FilmNation & Zq Entertainment Strike Feature Film Development Fund Deal, Unveil First Project Related Story Kevin Hart To EP Workplace Comedy 'The Regal' From Brad Copeland & Hartbeat In Works At NBC Related Story Kevin Hart's 'Die Hart' Series Refashioned As 'Die Hart The Movie' For Prime Video
Pic tells the story of Karen Johnson, a Black woman on the verge. Her work, home and personal life are falling to pieces while she’s plagued by anxiety. After...
The short film, written by Nicolet and directed by Meagan Good (Prime Video’s Harlem), was created through Hartbeat’s comedic screenwriting fellowship Women Write Now, launched in 2021, which aims to champion the next generation of Black women in comedy.
Related Story FilmNation & Zq Entertainment Strike Feature Film Development Fund Deal, Unveil First Project Related Story Kevin Hart To EP Workplace Comedy 'The Regal' From Brad Copeland & Hartbeat In Works At NBC Related Story Kevin Hart's 'Die Hart' Series Refashioned As 'Die Hart The Movie' For Prime Video
Pic tells the story of Karen Johnson, a Black woman on the verge. Her work, home and personal life are falling to pieces while she’s plagued by anxiety. After...
- 3/2/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: NBC is developing The Regal, a workplace comedy from writer Brad Copeland (Life In Pieces), Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat and Universal Television.
Written by Copeland, The Regal is a workplace comedy about a Las Vegas casino, the biggest and craziest office in the world. The series follows the employees who overcome their different perspectives and personalities to become the one thing you can’t win at a slot machine – family.
Copeland executive produces with Kevin Hart, Bryan Smiley and Mike Stein for Hartbeat. Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, is the studio.
Copeland most recently worked on all four seasons of CBS comedy Life In Pieces, beginning as co-executive producer and rising to executive producer in seasons 2 and 3 and consulting producer in the final season. His other credits include creator of comedy series The Inbetweeners and consulting producer on My Name Is Earl and producer on Fox’s Arrested Development.
Written by Copeland, The Regal is a workplace comedy about a Las Vegas casino, the biggest and craziest office in the world. The series follows the employees who overcome their different perspectives and personalities to become the one thing you can’t win at a slot machine – family.
Copeland executive produces with Kevin Hart, Bryan Smiley and Mike Stein for Hartbeat. Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, is the studio.
Copeland most recently worked on all four seasons of CBS comedy Life In Pieces, beginning as co-executive producer and rising to executive producer in seasons 2 and 3 and consulting producer in the final season. His other credits include creator of comedy series The Inbetweeners and consulting producer on My Name Is Earl and producer on Fox’s Arrested Development.
- 2/6/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Amazon Studios has locked down film rights to the #1 New York Times bestseller The Beatryce Prophecy from two-time Newbery Medalist Kate Dicamillo, tapping two-time Emmy nominee Brad Copeland (Arrested Development) to script an adaptation.
Gil Netter will produce the fantasy pic for Netter Films, with the company’s VP of Development & Production Jennie Lee serving as exec producer.
Published by Candlewick in September of 2021 and featuring illustrations by Sophie Blackall, The Beatryce Prophecy is billed as a fantastical meditation on fate, love and the power of words to spell the world.
The book’s official synopsis goes as follows: In a time of war, a mysterious child appears at the monastery of the Order of the Chronicles of Sorrowing. Gentle Brother Edik finds the girl, Beatryce, curled in a stall, wracked with fever, coated in dirt and blood, and holding fast to the ear of Answelica the goat. As...
Gil Netter will produce the fantasy pic for Netter Films, with the company’s VP of Development & Production Jennie Lee serving as exec producer.
Published by Candlewick in September of 2021 and featuring illustrations by Sophie Blackall, The Beatryce Prophecy is billed as a fantastical meditation on fate, love and the power of words to spell the world.
The book’s official synopsis goes as follows: In a time of war, a mysterious child appears at the monastery of the Order of the Chronicles of Sorrowing. Gentle Brother Edik finds the girl, Beatryce, curled in a stall, wracked with fever, coated in dirt and blood, and holding fast to the ear of Answelica the goat. As...
- 11/10/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
If AARP launched a streaming service and produced its own “Breaking Bad” remake, it might look a lot like “Jerry and Marge Go Large” with Bryan Cranston as a folksy old man who gets some very bad news, then dips his toe into a risky new revenue stream without telling his wife.
That’s where the two projects diverge, and viewers of David Frankel’s latest get to watch a generic piece of fluff that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy without the burden of having to laugh or think.
Jerry Selbee (Cranston) thought he was the embodiment of the American Dream. A lifelong cereal-plant worker, he started working the night shift in high school and eventually found himself running the place. He and his wife Marge (Annette Bening) raised a couple of kids in the suburbs and they’re both grateful for everything they have. She wishes they could...
That’s where the two projects diverge, and viewers of David Frankel’s latest get to watch a generic piece of fluff that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy without the burden of having to laugh or think.
Jerry Selbee (Cranston) thought he was the embodiment of the American Dream. A lifelong cereal-plant worker, he started working the night shift in high school and eventually found himself running the place. He and his wife Marge (Annette Bening) raised a couple of kids in the suburbs and they’re both grateful for everything they have. She wishes they could...
- 6/16/2022
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Click here to read the full article.
Don’t be deceived, Jerry & Marge Go Large is no Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar. The title appears to promise a raucous caper, but unless you’re tickled by endless shots of Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening chortling away while exchanging the kind of twinkly-eyed, adoring looks that ought to be outlawed for couples married 46 years, the amusement is spread awfully thin. David Frankel continues coasting on his Devil Wears Prada rep, between TV gigs and unwatchable features (Collateral Beauty, anyone?). But this utterly toothless, glorified Hallmark movie for Paramount+ proves the director is only as good as his material.
Brad Copeland’s pedestrian script was inspired by a 2018 HuffPost article by Jason Fagone, which outlined how Jerry Selbee, a retired Kellogg’s factory employee from Michigan with an aptitude for statistical calculation, found a loophole in a state lottery that allowed him,...
Don’t be deceived, Jerry & Marge Go Large is no Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar. The title appears to promise a raucous caper, but unless you’re tickled by endless shots of Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening chortling away while exchanging the kind of twinkly-eyed, adoring looks that ought to be outlawed for couples married 46 years, the amusement is spread awfully thin. David Frankel continues coasting on his Devil Wears Prada rep, between TV gigs and unwatchable features (Collateral Beauty, anyone?). But this utterly toothless, glorified Hallmark movie for Paramount+ proves the director is only as good as his material.
Brad Copeland’s pedestrian script was inspired by a 2018 HuffPost article by Jason Fagone, which outlined how Jerry Selbee, a retired Kellogg’s factory employee from Michigan with an aptitude for statistical calculation, found a loophole in a state lottery that allowed him,...
- 6/15/2022
- by David Rooney
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bryan Cranston is “Breaking Bad” in a big way.
The Emmy winner stars opposite Oscar nominee Annette Bening in the true story of “professional lottery players,” retired husband and wife duo Jerry and Marge Selbee, who won millions in the Massachusetts lotto. Check out the trailer below.
The Paramount+ Original film “Jerry & Marge Go Large” tracks Cranston’s Jerry, who is disillusioned with his corporate job after working in the same company for 42 years. While being pushed to retire, Jerry discovers a mathematical loophole in the lottery and, with the help of his wife Marge (Bening), uses their winnings to revive a small Michigan town by splitting the profits. The film debuts Friday, June 17 on the streamer.
In addition to Cranston and Bening, the cast includes Larry Wilmore, Rainn Wilson, Anna Camp, Ann Harada, Jake McDorman, Michael McKean and Uly Schlesinger.
“Jerry & Marge Go Large” is directed by Academy Award...
The Emmy winner stars opposite Oscar nominee Annette Bening in the true story of “professional lottery players,” retired husband and wife duo Jerry and Marge Selbee, who won millions in the Massachusetts lotto. Check out the trailer below.
The Paramount+ Original film “Jerry & Marge Go Large” tracks Cranston’s Jerry, who is disillusioned with his corporate job after working in the same company for 42 years. While being pushed to retire, Jerry discovers a mathematical loophole in the lottery and, with the help of his wife Marge (Bening), uses their winnings to revive a small Michigan town by splitting the profits. The film debuts Friday, June 17 on the streamer.
In addition to Cranston and Bening, the cast includes Larry Wilmore, Rainn Wilson, Anna Camp, Ann Harada, Jake McDorman, Michael McKean and Uly Schlesinger.
“Jerry & Marge Go Large” is directed by Academy Award...
- 5/16/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Paramount+ today unveiled first-look photos for its upcoming film Jerry and Marge Go Large, starring Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening, also announcing that it will premiere exclusively on the platform in the U.S. on June 17. The film will roll out on Paramount+ in Australia, Canada and Latin America and in additional markets, when the service becomes available there later this year. It will be distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution in remaining international markets.
Jerry and Marge Go Large is inspired by the remarkable true story of retiree Jerry Selbee (Cranston), who discovers a mathematical loophole in the Massachusetts lottery and, with the help of his wife, Marge (Bening), wins millions, using the money to revive their small Michigan town. The film from Paramount Players and MRC Film’s Landline Pictures, Gil Netter and Levantine Films also stars Larry Wilmore, Rainn Wilson, Anna Camp, Ann Harada, Jake McDorman, Michael McKean and Uly Schlesinger.
Jerry and Marge Go Large is inspired by the remarkable true story of retiree Jerry Selbee (Cranston), who discovers a mathematical loophole in the Massachusetts lottery and, with the help of his wife, Marge (Bening), wins millions, using the money to revive their small Michigan town. The film from Paramount Players and MRC Film’s Landline Pictures, Gil Netter and Levantine Films also stars Larry Wilmore, Rainn Wilson, Anna Camp, Ann Harada, Jake McDorman, Michael McKean and Uly Schlesinger.
- 4/26/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Uly Schlesinger (HBO Max’s Generation), Michael McKean (Better Call Saul), Anna Camp (Pitch Perfect franchise), Ann Harada (Schmigadoon!) and Devyn McDowell (Annette) have joined the cast of Jerry and Marge Go Large.
They’ll appear in the Paramount+ Original Film alongside previously announced cast members Bryan Cranston, Annette Bening, Larry Wilmore, Rainn Wilson and Jake McDorman.
Jerry and Marge Go Large is inspired by the true story of Jerry (Cranston) and Marge Selbee (Bening), a retired Michigan couple who helped revitalize their community after playing—and winning—the Massachusetts lottery.
Schlesinger will play Tyler, a university student who also plays the Massachusetts Winfall lotto game. McKean and Harada will play Howard and Shirley, a retired couple that are friends of Jerry and Marge. Camp will play Jerry and Marge’s daughter, Dawn, with McDowell portraying their granddaughter, Liz.
Production on the film is currently underway in Georgia, with...
They’ll appear in the Paramount+ Original Film alongside previously announced cast members Bryan Cranston, Annette Bening, Larry Wilmore, Rainn Wilson and Jake McDorman.
Jerry and Marge Go Large is inspired by the true story of Jerry (Cranston) and Marge Selbee (Bening), a retired Michigan couple who helped revitalize their community after playing—and winning—the Massachusetts lottery.
Schlesinger will play Tyler, a university student who also plays the Massachusetts Winfall lotto game. McKean and Harada will play Howard and Shirley, a retired couple that are friends of Jerry and Marge. Camp will play Jerry and Marge’s daughter, Dawn, with McDowell portraying their granddaughter, Liz.
Production on the film is currently underway in Georgia, with...
- 8/12/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Jake McDorman has joined the cast of Jerry and Marge Go Large.
He’ll appear in the Paramount+ film opposite previously announced cast members Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening.
Jerry and Marge Go Large is inspired by the true story of Jerry (Cranston) and Marge Selbee (Bening), a retired Michigan couple who helped revitalize their community after playing—and winning—the Massachusetts lottery.
McDorman will play Ben, the son of the film’s title characters.
Production is currently underway in Georgia, with David Frankel directing from a script by Brad Copeland.
Gil Netter is producing with Levantine Films. Amy Baer is also producing via MRC Film’s Landline Pictures. Jerry and Marge is the first film to emerge from the Landline label.
Kevin Halloran is serving as executive producer. Netter, Tory Metzger and Renee Witt from Levantine Films developed and...
He’ll appear in the Paramount+ film opposite previously announced cast members Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening.
Jerry and Marge Go Large is inspired by the true story of Jerry (Cranston) and Marge Selbee (Bening), a retired Michigan couple who helped revitalize their community after playing—and winning—the Massachusetts lottery.
McDorman will play Ben, the son of the film’s title characters.
Production is currently underway in Georgia, with David Frankel directing from a script by Brad Copeland.
Gil Netter is producing with Levantine Films. Amy Baer is also producing via MRC Film’s Landline Pictures. Jerry and Marge is the first film to emerge from the Landline label.
Kevin Halloran is serving as executive producer. Netter, Tory Metzger and Renee Witt from Levantine Films developed and...
- 7/30/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Larry Wilmore and Rainn Wilson are joining Annette Bening and Bryan Cranston in an upcoming Paramount Plus lotto hack project.
“Jerry and Marge Go Large,” announced recently as one of the first original films at the ViacomCBS streaming platform, is from director David Frankel.
The film tells the remarkable true story of how retiree Jerry Selbee (Cranston) discovered a mathematical loophole in the Massachusetts lottery and, with the help of his wife, Marge (Bening), wins $27 million dollars and uses the money to revive their small Michigan town.
Wilmore is an Emmy winner whose credits include “The Laundromat,” and he also served as the host of Comedy Central’s “The Nightly Show.” He is repped by 3 Arts, UTA & Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller & Gellman.
Wilson starred in the long-running NBC hit “The Office” and recently appeared in the Toronto Film Festival player “Blackbird” opposite Kate Winslet and Susan Sarandon.
“Jerry and Marge Go Large,” announced recently as one of the first original films at the ViacomCBS streaming platform, is from director David Frankel.
The film tells the remarkable true story of how retiree Jerry Selbee (Cranston) discovered a mathematical loophole in the Massachusetts lottery and, with the help of his wife, Marge (Bening), wins $27 million dollars and uses the money to revive their small Michigan town.
Wilmore is an Emmy winner whose credits include “The Laundromat,” and he also served as the host of Comedy Central’s “The Nightly Show.” He is repped by 3 Arts, UTA & Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller & Gellman.
Wilson starred in the long-running NBC hit “The Office” and recently appeared in the Toronto Film Festival player “Blackbird” opposite Kate Winslet and Susan Sarandon.
- 7/22/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount+ announced Monday that Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening will star in “Jerry and Marge Go Large,” an original comedy film for the streaming service by Oscar and Emmy-winning director David Frankel.
Based on a true story, the film will see Cranston and Bening play Jerry and Marge Selbee, a retired couple living in Massachusetts who discover a mathematical loophole in the Massachusetts Lottery. By exploiting the system, the two win $27 million, using the money to revitalize their small Michigan town.
Brad Copeland will write the script from a Huffington Post article by Jason Fagone. Gil Netter will produce through Levantine Films with Amy Baer, who will produce through MRC Films’ new Landline Pictures label. Kevin Halloran is executive producer.
Frankel won an Emmy in 2004 for his directing work on the pilot episode of “Entourage” to go with his Oscar for the 1996 live action short film “Dear Diary.” His feature...
Based on a true story, the film will see Cranston and Bening play Jerry and Marge Selbee, a retired couple living in Massachusetts who discover a mathematical loophole in the Massachusetts Lottery. By exploiting the system, the two win $27 million, using the money to revitalize their small Michigan town.
Brad Copeland will write the script from a Huffington Post article by Jason Fagone. Gil Netter will produce through Levantine Films with Amy Baer, who will produce through MRC Films’ new Landline Pictures label. Kevin Halloran is executive producer.
Frankel won an Emmy in 2004 for his directing work on the pilot episode of “Entourage” to go with his Oscar for the 1996 live action short film “Dear Diary.” His feature...
- 6/21/2021
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Paramount+ has another exciting project in the works, and it features two award-winning actors!
The streamer on Monday announced the latest addition to its growing slate of Paramount+ original films, new comedyJ erry and Marge Go Large, with Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening set to star.
The flick is inspired by the true story of a retired Michigan couple who help revitalize their community by playing the Massachusetts lottery.
The film will be directed by Academy Award winner David Frankel, and principal production starts this July in Georgia.
It is written by Emmy nominee Brad Copeland.
The film is produced by Academy Award nominee Gil Netter, Levantine Films (Hidden Figures), and executive produced by Kevin Halloran (Ford v Ferrari).
Amy Baer is also attached to produce via MRC Film’s Landline Pictures, the film is the label’s first production.
Netter, Tory Metzger, and Renee Witt from Levantine Films developed...
The streamer on Monday announced the latest addition to its growing slate of Paramount+ original films, new comedyJ erry and Marge Go Large, with Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening set to star.
The flick is inspired by the true story of a retired Michigan couple who help revitalize their community by playing the Massachusetts lottery.
The film will be directed by Academy Award winner David Frankel, and principal production starts this July in Georgia.
It is written by Emmy nominee Brad Copeland.
The film is produced by Academy Award nominee Gil Netter, Levantine Films (Hidden Figures), and executive produced by Kevin Halloran (Ford v Ferrari).
Amy Baer is also attached to produce via MRC Film’s Landline Pictures, the film is the label’s first production.
Netter, Tory Metzger, and Renee Witt from Levantine Films developed...
- 6/21/2021
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
Paramount Plus is betting the house on “Jerry and Marge Go Large,” the true story of a lotto-scamming couple to be played by Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening.
Director David Frankel will direct the tale of a retired Michigan couple who helps revitalize their community by deftly gaming the Massachusetts lottery.
Emmy nominee Brad Copeland penned the script for the project, one of several straight-to-service titles in the works at the ViacomCBS streamer. Gil Netter, the Oscar nominee behind “The Blind Side” and “Life of Pi,” is producing alongside Levantine Films (“Hidden Figures”). Kevin Halloran (“Ford v Ferrari”) is executive producing.
Landline Pictures, a division of MRC Films, and its leader Amy Baer will also produce. Netter, Tory Metzger and Renee Witt from Levantine developed and packaged the film based on an original article by Jason Fagone for The Huffington Post.
Cranston will play Jerry Selbee, a retiree who discovers...
Director David Frankel will direct the tale of a retired Michigan couple who helps revitalize their community by deftly gaming the Massachusetts lottery.
Emmy nominee Brad Copeland penned the script for the project, one of several straight-to-service titles in the works at the ViacomCBS streamer. Gil Netter, the Oscar nominee behind “The Blind Side” and “Life of Pi,” is producing alongside Levantine Films (“Hidden Figures”). Kevin Halloran (“Ford v Ferrari”) is executive producing.
Landline Pictures, a division of MRC Films, and its leader Amy Baer will also produce. Netter, Tory Metzger and Renee Witt from Levantine developed and packaged the film based on an original article by Jason Fagone for The Huffington Post.
Cranston will play Jerry Selbee, a retiree who discovers...
- 6/21/2021
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Following the company’s rebranding in March, Paramount+ is continuing to build on its film development slate, setting Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening to star in Jerry And Marge Go Large . The film is inspired by the true story of a retired Michigan couple who help revitalize their community by playing — and winning — the Massachusetts lottery. The film will be directed by David Frankel with principal production starting this July in Georgia.
The pic is written by Brad Copeland will be produced by Gil Netter, Levantine Films and executive produced by Kevin Halloran. Amy Baer will also produce via MRC Film’s Landline Pictures. The film is the label’s first production. Netter, Tory Metzger and Renee Witt from Levantine Films developed and packaged the film based on an original article by Jason Fagone for The Huffington Post.
The pic is based on the true story of how retiree Jerry Selbee,...
The pic is written by Brad Copeland will be produced by Gil Netter, Levantine Films and executive produced by Kevin Halloran. Amy Baer will also produce via MRC Film’s Landline Pictures. The film is the label’s first production. Netter, Tory Metzger and Renee Witt from Levantine Films developed and packaged the film based on an original article by Jason Fagone for The Huffington Post.
The pic is based on the true story of how retiree Jerry Selbee,...
- 6/21/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Renée Zellweger has come attached to star in The Back Nine, a comedy that Sex and the City’s Michael Patrick King will direct from a script he wrote with Jhoni Marchinko and Krista Smith. The film is set at Landline Pictures, the new label of MRC Film formed by Amy Baer, the former senior executive at Sony Pictures and CBS Films.
Baer will make this her first film, and she will produce with King. Zellweger and Carmella Casinelli will be executive producers for Big Picture Co., along with Marchinko and Smith.
Zellweger, who is coming off the Best Actress Oscar win for Judy, plays Casey Jones, who gave up a golf career so that her husband could have one. When she wakes up one morning to find her 25-year old marriage in free fall and her son off to college, she dusts off the clubs she tossed aside...
Baer will make this her first film, and she will produce with King. Zellweger and Carmella Casinelli will be executive producers for Big Picture Co., along with Marchinko and Smith.
Zellweger, who is coming off the Best Actress Oscar win for Judy, plays Casey Jones, who gave up a golf career so that her husband could have one. When she wakes up one morning to find her 25-year old marriage in free fall and her son off to college, she dusts off the clubs she tossed aside...
- 4/14/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
MRC Film has launched Landline Pictures, a new label targeting audiences over 50. Veteran producer Amy Baer has been tapped to lead the new venture.
According to a release announcing the news, Landline Pictures “will focus on uplifting and entertaining stories that are about and targeting the over 50 demographic, yet commercial and conceptual enough to cross over to a broader audience.”
Baer, who will report to MRC Film Co-Presidents Brye Adler and Jonathan Golfman, will oversee Landline Pictures’ creative and strategic agenda and serve in a producer capacity on all the label’s projects, with the goal to generate multiple films per year for both theatrical and streaming distribution.
“Amy is a total pro’s pro and we are proud to be partnered with her on this venture. There is a huge opportunity to make humorous and thoughtful movies for this underserved audience,” Adler and Golfman said, announcing the new venture and Baer’s appointment.
According to a release announcing the news, Landline Pictures “will focus on uplifting and entertaining stories that are about and targeting the over 50 demographic, yet commercial and conceptual enough to cross over to a broader audience.”
Baer, who will report to MRC Film Co-Presidents Brye Adler and Jonathan Golfman, will oversee Landline Pictures’ creative and strategic agenda and serve in a producer capacity on all the label’s projects, with the goal to generate multiple films per year for both theatrical and streaming distribution.
“Amy is a total pro’s pro and we are proud to be partnered with her on this venture. There is a huge opportunity to make humorous and thoughtful movies for this underserved audience,” Adler and Golfman said, announcing the new venture and Baer’s appointment.
- 4/5/2021
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Is there any career more unfairly represented in children’s movies than that of the animal control officer? In the rowdy new Disney Plus original, “Flora & Ulysses,” Flora (Matilda Lawler) is a 10-year-old comic-book savant; Ulysses is her unusually gifted CG squirrel; and overzealous officer Miller (Danny Pudi) is the only thing that stands between this beautiful friendship and a macabre fate for this cutie-patootie super-pet.
Technically, the title duo is only slightly less destructive than your average tornado. Nearly all the movie’s set pieces involve breaking, spilling or otherwise upsetting tidy spaces, which is no doubt fun to watch if you are Flora’s age or younger, and the type of child who likes to play Godzilla with your Lego sets. It’s also somewhat impressive, if you pause to contemplate the task demanded of director Lena Khan, who had to orchestrate such pandemonium (involving lots of...
Technically, the title duo is only slightly less destructive than your average tornado. Nearly all the movie’s set pieces involve breaking, spilling or otherwise upsetting tidy spaces, which is no doubt fun to watch if you are Flora’s age or younger, and the type of child who likes to play Godzilla with your Lego sets. It’s also somewhat impressive, if you pause to contemplate the task demanded of director Lena Khan, who had to orchestrate such pandemonium (involving lots of...
- 2/17/2021
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Don’t let self-professed cynic Flora Buckman fool you: This savvy 10-year-old still has a taste for magic underneath her world-weary outer shell. Tucked alongside all her distaste for things like “hope” — ew — the precocious kiddo (a charming Matilda Lawler) can’t quite shake her obsession with all things comic book and, more precisely, all things superheroic. Recent life events have dinged her optimism a bit, and while it may be easier to move through the world filled with nothing but suspicion, that only means that when good things do happen, they feel really, really good.
Such is the lesson of Lena Khan’s good-hearted “Flora & Ulysses,” a tonally faithful adaptation of Kate Dicamillo’s novel of the same name. Screenwriter Brad Copeland has altered some of the book’s dramas, though the overall look and feel of the story remains: Gussied up with the antics of an animated superhero squirrel,...
Such is the lesson of Lena Khan’s good-hearted “Flora & Ulysses,” a tonally faithful adaptation of Kate Dicamillo’s novel of the same name. Screenwriter Brad Copeland has altered some of the book’s dramas, though the overall look and feel of the story remains: Gussied up with the antics of an animated superhero squirrel,...
- 2/17/2021
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
The magic Kate Dicamillo imbues within the pages of Flora & Ulysses is infectious. Not only is her book a smart and witty adventure that refuses to shy from the struggles with loneliness everyone faces (young and old), but it also seeks to use wordplay and vocabulary in a fun Phantom Tollbooth kind of way that entertains and educates in equal measure. My worry with Disney’s live-action adaptation was therefore whether or not it could do the material justice since the absurdly hyperbolic nature of the whole always felt better-suited for the imaginative flights of fancy animation provides. Things like Dicamillo switching perspective every couple chapters to her superhero squirrel wouldn’t be easy, but I still looked forward to seeing how director Lena Khan might achieve it anyway.
It sadly doesn’t take long to realize she’ll never actually get that chance, though. Not with the script Brad Copeland has written.
It sadly doesn’t take long to realize she’ll never actually get that chance, though. Not with the script Brad Copeland has written.
- 2/17/2021
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
Features the voices of: Will Smith, Tom Holland, Rashida Jones, Karen Gillan, Ben Mendelsohn, Reba McEntire, Masi Oka, DJ Khaled | Written by Brad Copeland, Lloyd Taylor | Directed by Nick Bruno, Troy Quane
Spies In Disguise centers on Lance Sterling (Smith), a super spy who is inadvertently turned into a pigeon by scientist Walter Beckett (Holland). This mishap may end up helping Lance, as he’s been framed as a bad guy by a dangerous terrorist (Ben Mendelsohn) who’s armed with weaponized drones. Along with the help of Walter and other pigeons, Lance aims to take down the bad guy and save the world in the process!
Essentially a mix of Emperor’s New Groove and James Bond, Spies In Disguise is a surprisingly funny family-friendly animated feature that – whilst playing on the tropes of the spy movie – also plays on the inherent audience expectations of a film starring Will Smith and Tom Holland.
Spies In Disguise centers on Lance Sterling (Smith), a super spy who is inadvertently turned into a pigeon by scientist Walter Beckett (Holland). This mishap may end up helping Lance, as he’s been framed as a bad guy by a dangerous terrorist (Ben Mendelsohn) who’s armed with weaponized drones. Along with the help of Walter and other pigeons, Lance aims to take down the bad guy and save the world in the process!
Essentially a mix of Emperor’s New Groove and James Bond, Spies In Disguise is a surprisingly funny family-friendly animated feature that – whilst playing on the tropes of the spy movie – also plays on the inherent audience expectations of a film starring Will Smith and Tom Holland.
- 3/3/2020
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
2019 has been a weird year. So it seems fittingly surreal to be closing it by encouraging you to rush out and see an animated film about a pigeon super-spy and his scientist creator. Spies in Disguise is that film, Will Smith is that pigeon, and verily they are the spoonful of sugar you need right now.
Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) has been inventing whimsical safety solutions since he was a little boy in odd socks dousing his police officer mother in glitter before her shift. His indulgent mum was a driving force behind his dreams, reminding him that while she was out keeping their neighbourhood safe his inventions would one day do the same for the world. She encouraged Walter to always believe Team Weird will save the day.
Adulthood appears to have disproven that theory. Walter’s sense of whimsy and embrace of the weird isn’t such a...
Walter Beckett (Tom Holland) has been inventing whimsical safety solutions since he was a little boy in odd socks dousing his police officer mother in glitter before her shift. His indulgent mum was a driving force behind his dreams, reminding him that while she was out keeping their neighbourhood safe his inventions would one day do the same for the world. She encouraged Walter to always believe Team Weird will save the day.
Adulthood appears to have disproven that theory. Walter’s sense of whimsy and embrace of the weird isn’t such a...
- 12/16/2019
- by Emily Breen
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Far from an animated Bond movie, Blue Sky’s “Spies in Disguise” subverts 007’s image of a cerebral, macho loner willing to use lethal force, replacing it with a much-appreciated anti-violence message grounded on geeky heroism. That’s not to say, however, that the conveyance of its pacifist theme results in a satisfying outcome.
With a heavy serving of teamwork mentality and a nearly unrecognizable transmutation of Lucas Martell’s 2009 short film “Pigeon: Impossible,” co-directors Nick Bruno and Troy Quane (both making their feature directorial debuts after extensive stints in the animation departments at different studios) have made an action comedy about the bro-bond between two archetypal opposites.
Suave agent Lance Sterling (voiced by Will Smith), the embodiment of alpha-male cockiness, gets framed for villainous acts he appears to have committed while on a mission to defeat stock antagonist Killian (given Ben Mendelsohn’s menacing voice), a criminal with a...
With a heavy serving of teamwork mentality and a nearly unrecognizable transmutation of Lucas Martell’s 2009 short film “Pigeon: Impossible,” co-directors Nick Bruno and Troy Quane (both making their feature directorial debuts after extensive stints in the animation departments at different studios) have made an action comedy about the bro-bond between two archetypal opposites.
Suave agent Lance Sterling (voiced by Will Smith), the embodiment of alpha-male cockiness, gets framed for villainous acts he appears to have committed while on a mission to defeat stock antagonist Killian (given Ben Mendelsohn’s menacing voice), a criminal with a...
- 12/16/2019
- by Carlos Aguilar
- The Wrap
UK singer-songwriter Olly Murs has joined the voice cast of upcoming Fox animated movie Spies In Disguise with Will Smith, Tom Holland and Karen Gillan.
Murs, in his first feature, plays the cameo role of Junior Agent #1 and said, “I loved being a junior agent for Will Smith! What a great job, and it was a lot of fun. Maybe if I’m lucky I can graduate to a fully-fledged agent next time!”
Murs first came to attention for coming second in the sixth series of The X Factor in 2009. He has sold more than 25 million records across his 10 year music career, including six albums, and four No.1 singles. He’s currently a coach on ITV1’s The Voice UK alongside Will.i.am, Sir Tom Jones and Meghan Trainor.
The film, released later month, sees the world’s best spy rely on his nerdy tech officer to save the world after...
Murs, in his first feature, plays the cameo role of Junior Agent #1 and said, “I loved being a junior agent for Will Smith! What a great job, and it was a lot of fun. Maybe if I’m lucky I can graduate to a fully-fledged agent next time!”
Murs first came to attention for coming second in the sixth series of The X Factor in 2009. He has sold more than 25 million records across his 10 year music career, including six albums, and four No.1 singles. He’s currently a coach on ITV1’s The Voice UK alongside Will.i.am, Sir Tom Jones and Meghan Trainor.
The film, released later month, sees the world’s best spy rely on his nerdy tech officer to save the world after...
- 12/16/2019
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Filmmaker Lena Khan, who helmed The Tiger Hunter and the upcoming Disney+ movie Flora and Ulysses, has signed with UTA for worldwide representation.
Khan is in post-production on Flora & Ulysses, starring Alyson Hannigan, Ben Schwartz and Matilda Lawler. Based on the popular children’s book Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate Dicamillo, the story centers on the imaginative, creative and cynical 10-year-old Flora (Lawler), who could hardly predict that the little squirrel she saved from a tragic accident would be born anew and transformed into a superhero with the powers of strength, misspelled poetry and an uncanny knack for helping her and the lovable but broken people in her life become a family again. Gil Netter is producing, and Brad Copeland adapted the script.
Khan made her feature directing debut on The Tiger Hunter, which she co-wrote with Sameer Gardezi and Meera Simhan. It stars Danny Pudi as...
Khan is in post-production on Flora & Ulysses, starring Alyson Hannigan, Ben Schwartz and Matilda Lawler. Based on the popular children’s book Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures by Kate Dicamillo, the story centers on the imaginative, creative and cynical 10-year-old Flora (Lawler), who could hardly predict that the little squirrel she saved from a tragic accident would be born anew and transformed into a superhero with the powers of strength, misspelled poetry and an uncanny knack for helping her and the lovable but broken people in her life become a family again. Gil Netter is producing, and Brad Copeland adapted the script.
Khan made her feature directing debut on The Tiger Hunter, which she co-wrote with Sameer Gardezi and Meera Simhan. It stars Danny Pudi as...
- 11/14/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
The trailer and poster for “Spies in Disguise” have been released! You can check out the trailer above. The animated spy comedy adventure from Blue Sky Studios stars Will Smith and Tom Holland and is slated to be in theaters on Christmas Day.
Super spy Lance Sterling (Smith) and scientist Walter Beckett (Holland) are almost exact opposites. Lance is smooth, suave and debonair. Walter is…not. But when events take an unexpected turn, this unlikely duo is forced to team up for the ultimate mission that will require an almost impossible disguise – transforming Lance into the brave, fierce, majestic…pigeon. Walter and Lance suddenly have to work as a team, or the whole world is in peril.
Directed by: Nick Bruno, Troy Quane Cast: Will Smith, Tom Holland, Rashida Jones, Ben Mendelsohn, Reba McEntire, Rachel Brosnahan, Karen Gillan, DJ Khaled, and Masi Oka Produced by: Michael J. Travers Screenplay by:...
Super spy Lance Sterling (Smith) and scientist Walter Beckett (Holland) are almost exact opposites. Lance is smooth, suave and debonair. Walter is…not. But when events take an unexpected turn, this unlikely duo is forced to team up for the ultimate mission that will require an almost impossible disguise – transforming Lance into the brave, fierce, majestic…pigeon. Walter and Lance suddenly have to work as a team, or the whole world is in peril.
Directed by: Nick Bruno, Troy Quane Cast: Will Smith, Tom Holland, Rashida Jones, Ben Mendelsohn, Reba McEntire, Rachel Brosnahan, Karen Gillan, DJ Khaled, and Masi Oka Produced by: Michael J. Travers Screenplay by:...
- 9/29/2019
- by Mike Tyrkus
- CinemaNerdz
Matilda Lawler has landed the titular role of Flora in the Disney+ original film Flora & Ulysses, which has Alyson Hannigan and Ben Schwartz attached to play the parents. Based on the popular children’s novel, Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures, by Kate Dicamillo, the adaptation is being directed by Lena Khan. Gil Netter is producing.
Brad Copeland, who wrote the forthcoming animated film, Spies in Disguise, adapted the script. The story centers on the imaginative, creative and cynical ten-year-old Flora (Lawler), who could hardly predict that the little squirrel she saved from a tragic accident would be born anew and transformed into a superhero with the powers of strength, misspelled poetry… and an uncanny knack for helping her and the lovable but broken people in her life become a family again.
The role marks Lawler’s first studio project. She recently made her...
Brad Copeland, who wrote the forthcoming animated film, Spies in Disguise, adapted the script. The story centers on the imaginative, creative and cynical ten-year-old Flora (Lawler), who could hardly predict that the little squirrel she saved from a tragic accident would be born anew and transformed into a superhero with the powers of strength, misspelled poetry… and an uncanny knack for helping her and the lovable but broken people in her life become a family again.
The role marks Lawler’s first studio project. She recently made her...
- 6/18/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: How I Met Your Mother alum Alyson Hannigan and Ben Schwartz from TV’s Parks and Recreation have signed on for lead roles in Flora & Ulysses, the film adaptation of Kate Dicamillo’s novel, Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures. Set to stream on the upcoming Disney+ platform, the film is being helmed by up-and-coming filmmaker Lena Khan, who is directing from a screenplay by Brad Copeland.
Released in 2013, Dicamillo’s novel sold over 1.2 million copies, earned the Newbery Medal for excellence in children’s literature, and has been published in over 20 languages worldwide.
The story follows the imaginative, creative and cynical ten-year-old Flora, who could hardly predict that the little squirrel she saved from a tragic accident would be born anew and transformed into a superhero with the powers of strength, misspelled poetry… and an uncanny knack for helping her and the lovable but broken people in her life become a family again.
Released in 2013, Dicamillo’s novel sold over 1.2 million copies, earned the Newbery Medal for excellence in children’s literature, and has been published in over 20 languages worldwide.
The story follows the imaginative, creative and cynical ten-year-old Flora, who could hardly predict that the little squirrel she saved from a tragic accident would be born anew and transformed into a superhero with the powers of strength, misspelled poetry… and an uncanny knack for helping her and the lovable but broken people in her life become a family again.
- 6/13/2019
- by Amanda N'Duka
- Deadline Film + TV
Life in Pieces is getting back together in the spring. CBS said today that Season 4 of its ensemble comedy will premiere with two new episodes bookending Mom at 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18. The series then will settle into its regular slot the following week.
Created by Justin Adler and fronted by Dianne Wiest and James Brolin, the comedy revolves around one big happy family and their sometimes awkward but ultimately beautiful milestone moments as told by its various members. As the Short family’s lives unfold in four short stories each week, they try to savor these little pieces of time that flash by but stay with you forever, because these moments add up to what life’s all about.
In Season 4, the clan welcomes a few new family members and weathers an unexpected health crisis, plus some long-hidden secrets are revealed in an unexpected way. The...
Created by Justin Adler and fronted by Dianne Wiest and James Brolin, the comedy revolves around one big happy family and their sometimes awkward but ultimately beautiful milestone moments as told by its various members. As the Short family’s lives unfold in four short stories each week, they try to savor these little pieces of time that flash by but stay with you forever, because these moments add up to what life’s all about.
In Season 4, the clan welcomes a few new family members and weathers an unexpected health crisis, plus some long-hidden secrets are revealed in an unexpected way. The...
- 2/25/2019
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Paul Bradshaw Joseph Baxter Nov 18, 2019
Will Smith and Tom Holland have lent their voices to animated movie Spies in Disguise.
Spies in Disguise is bringing something new to the (admittedly esoteric) genre of animated spy comedy movies. After all, while we’ve seen plenty of mismatched buddy spy comedy movies, we haven’t seen a mismatched buddy spy comedy movie about a secret agent who gets turned into a pigeon.
The movie centers on the story of super-suave super-spy Lance Sterling, voiced by megastar Will Smith, and what happens when he bumps into goofy scientist Walter Becket, voiced by current Spider-Man star Tom Holland. Studio Blue Sky Studios, the folk who made Ice Age, Robots, The Peanuts Movie and Ferdinand, has produced the film, which will be distributed by 20th Century Fox.
After the year 2019 saw Spies in Disguise repeatedly pushed back on the release schedule, the film will finally...
Will Smith and Tom Holland have lent their voices to animated movie Spies in Disguise.
Spies in Disguise is bringing something new to the (admittedly esoteric) genre of animated spy comedy movies. After all, while we’ve seen plenty of mismatched buddy spy comedy movies, we haven’t seen a mismatched buddy spy comedy movie about a secret agent who gets turned into a pigeon.
The movie centers on the story of super-suave super-spy Lance Sterling, voiced by megastar Will Smith, and what happens when he bumps into goofy scientist Walter Becket, voiced by current Spider-Man star Tom Holland. Studio Blue Sky Studios, the folk who made Ice Age, Robots, The Peanuts Movie and Ferdinand, has produced the film, which will be distributed by 20th Century Fox.
After the year 2019 saw Spies in Disguise repeatedly pushed back on the release schedule, the film will finally...
- 11/2/2018
- Den of Geek
In today’s film news roundup, Disney is developing “Flora and Ulysses” for its streaming service, Luke Wilson’s “The S—heads” gets distribution and Taika Waititi’s “Jojo Rabbit” rounds out its cast.
Family Drama
Disney is in early development of a family drama based on Kate Dicamillo’s novel “Flora and Ulysses” for its upcoming Disney Dtc (direct-to-consumer) service, Variety has learned exclusively.
“Flora and Ulysses” centers on a cynical girl who spends her time reading comic books and a squirrel who is run over by the neighbor’s vacuum cleaner. The squirrel’s brush with death causes him to develop superpowers.
The book won the John Newbery Medal from the Association for Library Service to Children. Gil Netter is producing and Lena Khan will direct from a Brad Copeland adapted script. Sam Dickerman is the Disney exec.
The Disney-branded Dtc streaming service will launch in the latter...
Family Drama
Disney is in early development of a family drama based on Kate Dicamillo’s novel “Flora and Ulysses” for its upcoming Disney Dtc (direct-to-consumer) service, Variety has learned exclusively.
“Flora and Ulysses” centers on a cynical girl who spends her time reading comic books and a squirrel who is run over by the neighbor’s vacuum cleaner. The squirrel’s brush with death causes him to develop superpowers.
The book won the John Newbery Medal from the Association for Library Service to Children. Gil Netter is producing and Lena Khan will direct from a Brad Copeland adapted script. Sam Dickerman is the Disney exec.
The Disney-branded Dtc streaming service will launch in the latter...
- 6/1/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
For the first time this year, CBS comedy Life In Pieces was left on the bubble for renewal. After some lengthy and difficult negotiations between the network and series producer 20th Century Fox TV, the comedy has been picked up for a fourth season.
The family comedy has delivered solid ratings in its third season, though, while two other Thursday series, Mom and S.W.A.T., have improved their time periods vs. last season, Life In Pieces has not. Still, Lip is well received and features a very strong ensemble cast. It also is the fourth highest-rated and most watched CBS comedy series behind The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon and Mom, likely helped by its Thursday location.
Created by Justin Adler, Life in Pieces, from 20th TV and Kapital Entertainment, is a comedy about one big happy family and their sometimes awkward, often hilarious and ultimately beautiful milestone...
The family comedy has delivered solid ratings in its third season, though, while two other Thursday series, Mom and S.W.A.T., have improved their time periods vs. last season, Life In Pieces has not. Still, Lip is well received and features a very strong ensemble cast. It also is the fourth highest-rated and most watched CBS comedy series behind The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon and Mom, likely helped by its Thursday location.
Created by Justin Adler, Life in Pieces, from 20th TV and Kapital Entertainment, is a comedy about one big happy family and their sometimes awkward, often hilarious and ultimately beautiful milestone...
- 5/12/2018
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Levantine Films has optioned Jerry and Marge Go Large, an article by Jason Fagone for Huffington Post’s Highline. Brad Copeland will write the script. Gil Netter will produce alongside Levantine.
Fagone’s article focuses on Jerry and Marge, a couple married for over 60 years who found a nifty way to finance retirement. A mildly dyslexic cereal company materials analyst with a penchant for puzzles and patterns named Gerald Selbee figured out a loophole in the Michigan Cash WinFall state lottery game. Essentially, when the jackpot reaches roughly $2 million and no one wins, payoffs for smaller prizes swell dramatically, which basically assures a profit for anyone who buys at least $100,000 worth of tickets. He used it to enrich family and friends. After Michigan did away with the WinFall, Jerry turned his attention to one in Massachusetts.
Along the way, he bumped up against a group of MIT students who discovered the same loophole,...
Fagone’s article focuses on Jerry and Marge, a couple married for over 60 years who found a nifty way to finance retirement. A mildly dyslexic cereal company materials analyst with a penchant for puzzles and patterns named Gerald Selbee figured out a loophole in the Michigan Cash WinFall state lottery game. Essentially, when the jackpot reaches roughly $2 million and no one wins, payoffs for smaller prizes swell dramatically, which basically assures a profit for anyone who buys at least $100,000 worth of tickets. He used it to enrich family and friends. After Michigan did away with the WinFall, Jerry turned his attention to one in Massachusetts.
Along the way, he bumped up against a group of MIT students who discovered the same loophole,...
- 4/18/2018
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Chicago – Like the repeat tenets of real estate, good animated films come down to story, story, story. And ‘Ferdinand,’ an older children’s tale adapted to modern audiences, combines a gentle source narrative with palatable visual and cartoon jokes. It’s fun for the whole family!
Rating: 3.5/5.0
The story of Ferdinand the Bull has roots in 1936, when an old timey writer of children’s books, Munro Leaf (who also wrote “Mr. Popper’s Penguins”), chronicled the scenario of a physically-strong-yet-gentle bull, who would rather sniff flowers than fight in the bullring. Three screenwriters – usually a red flag – adapted the story for modern kid audiences, yet maintained the gentleness and humor associated with it (the film is produced by Blue Sky Animation, the creators of the Ice Age series). Strong voice characterizations also make it work, including ex-WWE wrestler John Cena as the title character. The antics in the film...
Rating: 3.5/5.0
The story of Ferdinand the Bull has roots in 1936, when an old timey writer of children’s books, Munro Leaf (who also wrote “Mr. Popper’s Penguins”), chronicled the scenario of a physically-strong-yet-gentle bull, who would rather sniff flowers than fight in the bullring. Three screenwriters – usually a red flag – adapted the story for modern kid audiences, yet maintained the gentleness and humor associated with it (the film is produced by Blue Sky Animation, the creators of the Ice Age series). Strong voice characterizations also make it work, including ex-WWE wrestler John Cena as the title character. The antics in the film...
- 12/17/2017
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
NBC Buys ‘Close To Heaven’ Church Comedy From Brad Copeland & Aaron Kaplan With Put Pilot Commitment
NBC has given a put pilot commitment to Close To Heaven, a single-camera comedy from frequent collaborators, writer Brad Copeland and producer Aaron Kaplan. Written by Copeland, the project, based on the Swedish television series Halvvägs till himlen, hails from Universal TV and Kaplan’s Kapital Entertainment. In Close To Heaven, an eager young minister arrives to be the head pastor of a small-town church after years of missionary work in Africa. He dreams of enlightening…...
- 10/19/2017
- Deadline TV
The Classic 80s Film Flight Of The Navigator is Being Remade with the Writer of Lucifer and 11.22.63
The classic 1986 sci-fi film Flight of the Navigator was one of many films that I loved watching when I was a kid. A remake of the film has been in and out of development for years and it looks like it's going back into development with a new writer.
According to THR, Lionsgate and The Henson Co. has hired Joe Henderson to write the script. Henderson is best known for his work on Lucifer, 11.22.63, and White Collar. The guy has done some great work in TV, so it gives me hope that maybe he'll do a decent job with Flight of the Navigator.
Over the years, Brad Copeland (Arrested Development, Wild Hogs) was attached to the project as was Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly, who were set to write the script. Things obviously didn't work out in these instances.
The story follows a 12-year-old boy who gets abducted by an alien spacecraft.
According to THR, Lionsgate and The Henson Co. has hired Joe Henderson to write the script. Henderson is best known for his work on Lucifer, 11.22.63, and White Collar. The guy has done some great work in TV, so it gives me hope that maybe he'll do a decent job with Flight of the Navigator.
Over the years, Brad Copeland (Arrested Development, Wild Hogs) was attached to the project as was Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly, who were set to write the script. Things obviously didn't work out in these instances.
The story follows a 12-year-old boy who gets abducted by an alien spacecraft.
- 9/28/2017
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg sure seem to be loving the TV world. They've already developed the awesome AMC series Preacher and the upcoming Hulu show Future Man. Now they are set to produce and help develop two upcoming comedy series.
The first project is a superhero-themed show that is set up at Fox. It's being developed by Mike Rosolio (Lemmings), and it "centers on an ambitious MIT graduate who gets a job working for a Steve Jobs-esque tech genius, only to learn he’s also a vigilante superhero by night forcing her to become the unwitting Alfred to his Batman."
The second series is set up at ABC and focuses on the Illuminati, which is a society that a lot of conspiracy theorists love to talk about. That show is being developed by Brad Copeland (Life In Pieces, The Inbetweeners), and it "centers on a young couple struggles...
The first project is a superhero-themed show that is set up at Fox. It's being developed by Mike Rosolio (Lemmings), and it "centers on an ambitious MIT graduate who gets a job working for a Steve Jobs-esque tech genius, only to learn he’s also a vigilante superhero by night forcing her to become the unwitting Alfred to his Batman."
The second series is set up at ABC and focuses on the Illuminati, which is a society that a lot of conspiracy theorists love to talk about. That show is being developed by Brad Copeland (Life In Pieces, The Inbetweeners), and it "centers on a young couple struggles...
- 11/9/2016
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
According to Deadline, Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg will produce a new single-camera superhero comedy series for Fox. We don't have a title, but the story focuses on "an ambitious MIT graduate who gets a job working for a Steve Jobs-esque tech genius, only to learn he’s also a vigilante superhero by night forcing her to become the unwitting Alfred to his Batman." The show will be written by Mike Rosolio (Lemmings, The Cold War), who will also executive produce. Rogen and Goldberg also have a new ABC series in the works, about a the elusive Illuminati society that has been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories. That'll be written by Brad Copeland (Life In Pieces). More details as we get 'em, but that sidekick show does sound like it could be fun. Let us know what you think in the usual place.
- 11/8/2016
- ComicBookMovie.com
Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s Point Grey Pictures has set up two single-camera comedies through Sony Pictures TV, a superhero sidekick-themed project written by Mike Rosolio (Lemmings) at Fox and a project at ABC about the elusive Illuminati society that has been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories, written by Brad Copeland (Life In Pieces). Both have received script commitment plus penalty and stem from Point Grey’s deal at Sony TV. Point Grey’s Rogen, Goldberg…...
- 11/8/2016
- Deadline TV
“Life in Pieces” has been renewed for a second season at CBS, the network announced Wednesday. The freshman single-camera comedy series is this season’s No. 1 new comedy both in viewers, with an average of 10.5 million on Thursday nights, and in the advertiser-coveted adults 18-49 demographic, with a 2.7 rating. The series stars Dianne Wiest, James Brolin, Zoe Lister-Jones, Colin Hanks, Angelique Cabral, Thomas Sadoski, Betsy Brandt, Dan Bakkedahl, Niall Cunningham, Holly J. Barrett and Giselle Eisenberg. Also Read: 'Good Wife' Fans in Meltdown Over Slap-Happy Series Finale: 'Wtf?' The executive producers are Justin Adler, Aaron Kaplan, Jason Winer, Jeff Morton and Brad Copeland.
- 5/11/2016
- by Joe Otterson
- The Wrap
Aly Michalka (Two and a Half Men) and 30 Rock alum Maulik Pancholy are set to co-star opposite Chevy Chase in ABC’s comedy pilot toplined by the Saturday Night Live alum. The project, from Brad Copeland, Kapital Entertainment and ABC Studios, centers on a baby boomer couple (Chase, Beverly D'Angelo) who are fun, relevant and living a selfish retirement when their world is turned upside down and they are suddenly left to raise their grandchildren. Michalka plays the couple…...
- 3/5/2015
- Deadline TV
18 months ago, long before Sony made a video on demand (VOD) splash with The Interview, CollegeHumor released a VOD comedy movie of its own. The comedy website produced Coffee Town, a feature film that will become available in DVD form on February 3rd.
Coffee Town, directed by Arrested Development writer Brad Copeland, follows the denizens of a local coffee shop as they fight to save their favorite java joint from closure. The cast, which includes Glenn Howerton, Ben Schwartz, Adrianne Palicki, and Josh Groban, is a good one, particularly for a VOD release. The film first arrived on iTunes and Amazon in July 2013 before earning a trip to HBO and Cinemax in May 2014.
Now, the film's viewers (who have offered up generally positive reviews) have a chance to own it. The DVD is available on Amazon, where it can be pre-ordered
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
Coffee Town, directed by Arrested Development writer Brad Copeland, follows the denizens of a local coffee shop as they fight to save their favorite java joint from closure. The cast, which includes Glenn Howerton, Ben Schwartz, Adrianne Palicki, and Josh Groban, is a good one, particularly for a VOD release. The film first arrived on iTunes and Amazon in July 2013 before earning a trip to HBO and Cinemax in May 2014.
Now, the film's viewers (who have offered up generally positive reviews) have a chance to own it. The DVD is available on Amazon, where it can be pre-ordered
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
- 1/9/2015
- by Sam Gutelle
- Tubefilter.com
ABC is moving forward with its Chevy Chase-Beverly D'Angelo comedy. The network and ABC Studios have handed out a script commitment with a penalty attached to the family comedy reuniting the stars of National Lampoon's Vacation, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. First announced in January, the comedy vehicle from Aaron Kaplan was eyed for the 2015-16 season with no studio or script attached. Brad Copeland (My Name Is Earl, Grounded for Life, Arrested Development) has boarded the comedy and will write the script and exec produce. The untitled comedy will reunite the Vacation stars — aka Clark and Ellen Griswold — and see the duo again playing a
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- 9/13/2014
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“There is no merit to this lawsuit,” said Warner Bros today in response to a copyright infringement lawsuit over a potential big screen Gilligan’s Island reboot. “Not only does the plaintiff have no rights in an unauthorized work based on the Gilligan property, the project he’s suing over never went forward.” The plaintiff in question is Travis Dunson, who hit the studio with a multi-claim complaint in federal court in Georgia earlier this week (read it here).
The seemingly creditless Dunson is alleging that WB lifted elements of his 1999 script Gilligan’s Island: 7 Stranded Castaways From The Hood for an adaption of the classic 60s CBS TV series. WB announced last December that they would be making a new Gilligan’s Island with Josh Gad. In his lawsuit, Dunson wants the new Gilligan shut down and he wants wide ranging unspecified damages – though it is unclear if it is the Gad,...
The seemingly creditless Dunson is alleging that WB lifted elements of his 1999 script Gilligan’s Island: 7 Stranded Castaways From The Hood for an adaption of the classic 60s CBS TV series. WB announced last December that they would be making a new Gilligan’s Island with Josh Gad. In his lawsuit, Dunson wants the new Gilligan shut down and he wants wide ranging unspecified damages – though it is unclear if it is the Gad,...
- 8/27/2014
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline
Back in June, it was reported that The Weinstein Company was once again interested in a feature film based on the popular 1980s "Knight Rider" TV series and hired Brad Copeland (Yogi Bear, Wild Hogs) to write the script. SchmoesKnow website now claims that Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy, Zero Dark Thirty) and Danny McBride (This Is The End) are in talks to join the production. It's not clear which roles they are being considered for, but the two obvious ones are the roles of Michael Knight and the voice of Kitt. The Weinstein Company wants to turn "Knight Rider" into a big-budget action film, similar to the "Fast and Furious" franchise. David Hasselhoff, who starred in the original series, has expressed interest in playing a part in the new movie.
- 2/14/2014
- WorstPreviews.com
Handle this story with your sturdiest pair of rumour gloves, but the courageous bloggers at Schmoes Know believe they have a major exclusive on the Weinsteins' developing Knight Rider movie. According to the Schmoes' intelligence, Danny McBride and Chris Pratt have been offered central roles.Knight Rider, should you need reminding, was a 1980s TV action series about David Hasselhoff and a talking car. Or, if you prefer, it was a shadowy flight into the dangerous world of a man who does not exist. The Hoff played Michael Knight, a young loner on a crusade to champion the cause of the innocent, the helpless, the powerless, in a world of criminals who operate above the law. You know what's sad? We didn't even have to look that shit up.What we know for certain about this new version is that Brad Copeland has been tasked with the first draft of the screenplay.
- 2/14/2014
- EmpireOnline
Provided that everything goes according to plan, Chris Pratt is on the verge of becoming one of the biggest stars in the world. Just this past weekend he voiced the lead character in the number one movie in America, starring as Emmet in Phil Lord and Chris Miller's The Lego Movie, and coming up soon he will be front and center of two major blockbusters, starring in both James Gunn's Guardians of the Galaxy and Colin Trevorrow's Jurassic World. It's a crucial moment in the young actor's career, so it's hard to understand why he would sign on for something as misguided as yet another relaunch of the Knight Rider franchise... but that's the rumor that is going going around. We first learned about a possible Knight Rider movie this past summer when it was reported that The Weinstein Company had hired screenwriter Brad Copeland to pen the script,...
- 2/14/2014
- cinemablend.com
Chris Pratt ("Parks and Recreation," "Guardians of the Galaxy") and Danny McBride ("Tropic Thunder," "This Is The End") are rumored to be in talks to star in a cinematic reboot of the "Knight Rider" franchise for The Weinstein Company according to Schmoes Know.
Brad Copeland was hired back in june to pen the script for what's said to be a whole new story that won't fit within the continuity of the original 1980s series or the short-lived 2008 follow-up.
The show followed Michael Knight (David Hasselhoff), a crime fighter who, with the help of his advanced artificially intelligent car K.I.T.T., sets out to clean up the streets.
It isn't indicated what roles Pratt and McBride are playing, though they sound tailor made for Knight and K.I.T.T. respectively - especially if the reboot takes a more comedic action tone ala "21 Jump Street".
No director is presently attached.
Brad Copeland was hired back in june to pen the script for what's said to be a whole new story that won't fit within the continuity of the original 1980s series or the short-lived 2008 follow-up.
The show followed Michael Knight (David Hasselhoff), a crime fighter who, with the help of his advanced artificially intelligent car K.I.T.T., sets out to clean up the streets.
It isn't indicated what roles Pratt and McBride are playing, though they sound tailor made for Knight and K.I.T.T. respectively - especially if the reboot takes a more comedic action tone ala "21 Jump Street".
No director is presently attached.
- 2/14/2014
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
As Hollywood slowly works its way through remaking all TV and film from the 1980s and 90s, it was only a matter of time before the television classic Knight Rider got its day on the big screen. While rumors have swirled about a Knight Rider movie for about a year now, it is apparently one step closer to fruition.
Rumor has it that Chris Pratt and Danny McBride are circling the film, which focuses on a high-tech crime fighter and his talking car. While it is not yet clear yet who will play which part, First Showing does point out that Pratt has recently got himself into shape for Guardians of the Galaxy. There’s no way that the Weinsteins would want to hide that fabulous body behind a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, no matter how sexy a car it might be.
For those of us either too young (or...
Rumor has it that Chris Pratt and Danny McBride are circling the film, which focuses on a high-tech crime fighter and his talking car. While it is not yet clear yet who will play which part, First Showing does point out that Pratt has recently got himself into shape for Guardians of the Galaxy. There’s no way that the Weinsteins would want to hide that fabulous body behind a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, no matter how sexy a car it might be.
For those of us either too young (or...
- 2/13/2014
- by Lauren Humphries-Brooks
- We Got This Covered
For those who didn't know, The Weinstein Company is planning a big screen adaptation of Knight Rider, the 80s TV show which featured a high-tech modern crime fighter (played by David Hasselhoff) assisted by an advanced, artificially intelligent and nearly indestructible talking car called Kitt (Knight Industries Two Thousand), a heavily modified Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. The feature film version had Wild Hogs and Yogi Bear writer Brad Copeland involved as of last summer, and now there's a rumor about who might be lined up to play our hero Knight and voice his trusty talking car, and it sounds like it could be really fun. Read on! Schmoes Know (via Collider) has heard that The Weinstein Company is currently in talks with Chris Pratt and Danny McBride to lead the film. Frankly, I didn't care about this project at all until those two names popped up. However, the scoop doesn't...
- 2/13/2014
- by Ethan Anderton
- firstshowing.net
Chris Pratt and Danny McBride have been rumoured for the Knight Rider reboot movie.
The Parks and Recreations and This Is the End stars have entered talks for The Weinstein Company's film, according to Schmoes Know.
Pratt is said to be in the running for the role of Michael Knight, with McBride as the voice of talking car Kitt.
David Hasselhoff and Boy Meets World's William Daniels fulfilled the roles in the original series, which ran from 1982-86.
The property was revived as a television show in 2008, but did not last an entire season.
Arrested Development writer Brad Copeland was reportedly hired last year to work on the script.
Pratt will next be seen in Guardians of the Galaxy. McBride will feature in Cameron Crowe's upcoming untitled film.
The Parks and Recreations and This Is the End stars have entered talks for The Weinstein Company's film, according to Schmoes Know.
Pratt is said to be in the running for the role of Michael Knight, with McBride as the voice of talking car Kitt.
David Hasselhoff and Boy Meets World's William Daniels fulfilled the roles in the original series, which ran from 1982-86.
The property was revived as a television show in 2008, but did not last an entire season.
Arrested Development writer Brad Copeland was reportedly hired last year to work on the script.
Pratt will next be seen in Guardians of the Galaxy. McBride will feature in Cameron Crowe's upcoming untitled film.
- 2/13/2014
- Digital Spy
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