Ed Helms finds director for first leading role

Once upon a 1999, Dean Parisot directed the well-received cult classic GALAXY QUEST. The film hardly made a bankroll but it seemed to signal Parisot as a new talent that was up for bigger and better things. But six years went by until his next film, FUN WITH DICK AND JANE hit theaters. Sure it was a step up: it starred Jim Carrey and was written by Judd Apatow. But the production was marred with numerous problems and Parisot has yet to direct a film since. But he’s back baby!

Parisot has signed on to helm CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE, the Universal comedy that will serve as the first solo starring film for HANGOVER breakout Ed Helms. The film will star Helms as an account who reconnects with an old friend via Facebook and is soon immersed in a world of international espionage.

Universal is hoping to get the film into production this spring while Helms is on break from “The Office” (am I the only one who finds it weird that Helms, who is starring in his own movies, still hasn’t broken into the opening credits of that show?).

Helms will also reteam with Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifianakis for THE HANGOVER 2 though it’s unclear when that project will start filming.