Jack & Judd unite

Wow, so Judd Apatow has to be the hottest player in Hollywood right now, and for good reason. When you follow up 2005’s summer sleeper hit with the most critically-acclaimed mainstream film of the year so far, chances are you’re no fluke. KNOCKED UP is already being hailed by many as an instant classic, so it’s a fair bet that anything Mr. Apatow is involved in, whether he’s in the director’s chair or not, is worth paying attention to, hence the rest of this article.

Variety is reporting that Apatow will produce YEAR ONE for Columbia, starring none other than Jack Black. Harold Ramis (who has a role in KNOCKED UP) who is responsible for directing GROUNDHOG DAY, one of my favourite comedies of all time, will direct the project based on his own idea. Michael Cera, star of the upcoming SUPERBAD (another Apatow production) is set to star in the film as well, with Owen Wilson on as co-producer. For some reason, plot details are totally absent from the Variety article, but with a title like YEAR ONE, I’m guessing it has something to do with kangaroos. Kangaroos or migraines.

Next year looks to be a good one for Black who has Michel Gondry’s BE KIND REWIND and Noah Baumbach’s MARGOT AT THE WEDDING due out. Note to all actors: if you want a distinguished Hollywood career, work with talented directors, it’s that simple. As for Apatow, no follow-up to KNOCKED UP has been announced, but in the producing ring, look for likely gems like YOU DON’T MESS WITH THE ZOHAN starring Adam Sandler and WALK HARD, the music biopic parody starring JOHN C. REILLY.