Will Ferrell finds a cast for his next flick | Movie News

Will Ferrell finds a cast for his next flick
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by: Mike Sampson Mar. 22, 2010

I may be in the minority on this but I actually liked Will Ferrell's last foray into drama, the quirky STRANGER THAN FICTION. Sure it had its problems but in the end, I wound up a fan. If you're gonna bitch at Ferrell for playing the same goofball character in his comedies, you gotta give him some credit for working outside the box. But alas, people don't seem ready to do that. There's already a considerable amount of grief online about his starring role in EVERYTHING MUST GO.

Normally an actor's involvement in an indie film wouldn't kick up much dust but EVERYTHING, written by Dan Rush, is something of a beloved script that made the rounds in late 2008. There were many who said it was the best spec script of the year and it almost immediately caught the eye of Ferrell who quickly signed on to star (with many questioning if he was right for the role). Regardless, filming is set to begin this year and he's now got himself a co-star.

Rebecca Hall, whose worked with a number of high-profile directors like Woody Allen, Ron Howard and Christopher Nolan, has signed on to play Ferrell's quasi-love interest in the film. Ferrell stars as a guy who gets fired from his job and comes home to find his wife has kicked him out and moved all his belongings onto the front yard. Unable to cope, he starts living in his own front yard, spending time in his beloved recliner. Hall will star as Samantha, a young pregnant woman who moves in across the street and forges a friendship with Ferrell and eventually helps him move on (though possibly not in the way you'd expect).

UPDATE - Filming actually begins this week in Arizona. In addition to Hall, Michael Pena, Christopher Wallace and Laura Dern have also joined the cast.

Rush, who wrote the script, will make his directorial debut on the film. It's unclear exactly when filming would begin but when I talked to Ferrell on the set of THE OTHER GUYS he said that this would be his next project.

Source: Variety

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Extra Tidbit: It's a really great script actually.

10 discussions Expand all
 
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filmguy450
4:15PM on 03/23/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
I don't care for Ferrell's idiotic man-boy goofs such as Ron Burgnday or Ricky Bobby, but "Stranger Than Fiction" is one of the greatest movies ever made, and he was absolutely perfect for the role! So I, for one, am beyond grateful he's doing more fare like this, and not stupid comedies where he runs around in his underpants.
I don't care for Ferrell's idiotic man-boy goofs such as Ron Burgnday or Ricky Bobby, but "Stranger Than Fiction" is one of the greatest movies ever made, and he was absolutely perfect for the role! So I, for one, am beyond grateful he's doing more fare like this, and not stupid comedies where he runs around in his underpants.
 
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DolphinsBeatles88
2:14AM on 03/23/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Dern
Laura Dern in it as well. I'm pretty sure every movie she's been in has been great.
Laura Dern in it as well. I'm pretty sure every movie she's been in has been great.
 
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Justinvsky1
12:27AM on 03/23/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
What a great idea for a film. I'm a "writer" and wish I could think of this shit. It's so simple and original yet so much can come of it story wise. Can't wait for this.
What a great idea for a film. I'm a "writer" and wish I could think of this shit. It's so simple and original yet so much can come of it story wise. Can't wait for this.
 
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HoyleHaw
5:33PM on 03/22/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Love "Stranger Than Fiction." He was also the best thing in "Winter Passing." At the very least he was the most likable character in that movie.



I think one of the things that seems to help prove the staying power of a comedic actor, is their ability to perform outside the box. Look at Bill Murray and Seth Rogen.
Love "Stranger Than Fiction." He was also the best thing in "Winter Passing." At the very least he was the most likable character in that movie.



I think one of the things that seems to help prove the staying power of a comedic actor, is their ability to perform outside the box. Look at Bill Murray and Seth Rogen.
 
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Lil Sco Rizzle
5:09PM on 03/22/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
When Ferrell puts himself to it, he can be really good. I enjoyed Stranger Than Fiction and loved Winter Passing. Problem is he keeps choosing large scale mainstream comedies with basically the same lead character. I think if he lays low, chooses only projects like this for the next few years and focuses on broadening his skills he will regain most of our respect back.
When Ferrell puts himself to it, he can be really good. I enjoyed Stranger Than Fiction and loved Winter Passing. Problem is he keeps choosing large scale mainstream comedies with basically the same lead character. I think if he lays low, chooses only projects like this for the next few years and focuses on broadening his skills he will regain most of our respect back.
 
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JasonC07
2:00PM on 03/22/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
He wasn't too much of a goofball in Winter Passing either and I liked that. He's great in comedies and under appreciated in anything else because he's great in comedies. And yes, Jesse James IS a douchebag!
He wasn't too much of a goofball in Winter Passing either and I liked that. He's great in comedies and under appreciated in anything else because he's great in comedies. And yes, Jesse James IS a douchebag!
 
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Monotreme
1:58PM on 03/22/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Stranger Than Fiction was a solid film, and although I don't usually like Farrell, he was perfectly fine and even rather enjoyable in his performance in that film. I have no problem with him starring in this, and the addition of the absolutely STUNNING Rebecca Hall is a very welcome bonus!
Stranger Than Fiction was a solid film, and although I don't usually like Farrell, he was perfectly fine and even rather enjoyable in his performance in that film. I have no problem with him starring in this, and the addition of the absolutely STUNNING Rebecca Hall is a very welcome bonus!
 
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Thumbs
11:09AM on 03/22/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Thumbs up. I too liked Stranger Than Fiction. And Ferrell. And this premise. And first time directors getting a shot. And movies that start with a SCRIPT and not a "marketable property with a built in fanbase".
Thumbs up. I too liked Stranger Than Fiction. And Ferrell. And this premise. And first time directors getting a shot. And movies that start with a SCRIPT and not a "marketable property with a built in fanbase".
 
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moises08
10:50AM on 03/22/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
Like the script- Like Ferrell.
He may be a comedian but I also liked Stranger than Fiction. He's got a lost charm that's easy to warm up to in dramas. I think going in a few minutes into the movie we'll forget the antics and take him seriously if the script is that good. I think he can be a great actor at times. Any other actor I'd expect the same dramatic role but only because Ferrell is there I'll actually be curious to...
He may be a comedian but I also liked Stranger than Fiction. He's got a lost charm that's easy to warm up to in dramas. I think going in a few minutes into the movie we'll forget the antics and take him seriously if the script is that good. I think he can be a great actor at times. Any other actor I'd expect the same dramatic role but only because Ferrell is there I'll actually be curious to see where this one leads. Of course die hard fanatics of the script might object. I'll have to read the script myself.
 
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The_Soloist
10:34AM on 03/22/2010 Add as a friend | MFC profile
This movie sounds really really good. I love Indie films and I love Will Ferrell. Can't wait to hear more about this movie and can't wait for the trailer. Love the premise.
This movie sounds really really good. I love Indie films and I love Will Ferrell. Can't wait to hear more about this movie and can't wait for the trailer. Love the premise.