Apatow and Ansari

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by: Mike Sampson Nov. 24, 2009

Earlier this summer, we brought you the exclusive scoop that Judd Apatow was developing a movie based on Aziz Ansari's "Randy" character from FUNNY PEOPLE. Almost four months later, Variety confirms our report and has noted that Apatow has picked up two additional pitches from the actor.

In addition to the Randy spinoff, Ansari and former "Human Giant" co-star Jason Woliner sold Apatow on a road comedy about motivational speakers titled LET'S DO THIS and an untitled story about a disgraced cosmonaut returning to space to clear his name. All three projects have been picked up by Universal and are in active development. As Ansari notes, they pitched all three hoping that Apatow would take at least one but "he wanted all three." Ansari would star in any of the films that got put into production with Woliner directing.

Ansari can be seen next in a supporting role in Apatow's GET HIM TO THE GREEK as well as his Comedy Central standup special (which features some Randy bits) on January 17th.

Source: Variety

Extra Tidbit: Ansari's big screen debut was the awful comedy SCHOOL FOR SCOUNDRELS.

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PsycheAL
11:14AM on 11/24/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Sorry, but you're wrong if you think this won't get pushed forward. Apatow still has plenty of clout, you're allowed a few under performing films before things start to take a turn for the worse.
Sorry, but you're wrong if you think this won't get pushed forward. Apatow still has plenty of clout, you're allowed a few under performing films before things start to take a turn for the worse.
 
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IQuitMrWhite
10:51AM on 11/24/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I love Aziz Ansari, but I have to agree with filmaddict. Seems unwise to greenlight a spinoff of a crappy movie that underperformed in the box office. This will be junked faster than that "greenlit" Jinx spinoff from Die Another Day. Besides, Aziz is hilarious, but Raaaaaandy...is not.
I love Aziz Ansari, but I have to agree with filmaddict. Seems unwise to greenlight a spinoff of a crappy movie that underperformed in the box office. This will be junked faster than that "greenlit" Jinx spinoff from Die Another Day. Besides, Aziz is hilarious, but Raaaaaandy...is not.
 
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The_Soloist
10:28AM on 11/24/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I'm not sure if I really like the guy...i mean he's funny sometimes, but that NBC show that he is on is crap.
I'm not sure if I really like the guy...i mean he's funny sometimes, but that NBC show that he is on is crap.
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bramb600
1:53PM on 11/24/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
You probably haven't watched the second season. The show was pretty awful, but it's definitely improved since. Aziz makes it even better.
You probably haven't watched the second season. The show was pretty awful, but it's definitely improved since. Aziz makes it even better.
 
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filmaddict
9:45AM on 11/24/2009 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Won't happen
"Funny People" bombed spectacularly -- studios won't greenlight a spin-off of a $75 mil picture that barely crossed $60 worldwide. If this happens I'd wager it as an online exclusive or a straight-to-DVD effort.
"Funny People" bombed spectacularly -- studios won't greenlight a spin-off of a $75 mil picture that barely crossed $60 worldwide. If this happens I'd wager it as an online exclusive or a straight-to-DVD effort.