Writer/producer/directors such as Judd Apatow and Anchorman’s Adam McKay have a long history of finding other talent and shepherding their films to the screen. In this instance, McKay is partnering with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg to direct a new, untitled comedy based on a pitch from Parks And Recreation actor Ben Schwartz{
As well as writing, Schwartz plans to co-star in the film, about which almost nothing is known. He’s had experience writing on other projects though, including an Emmy win thanks to the music and lyrics of Hugh Jackman’s Oscar hosting opening number, and he's also a respected comedian and fiendish improviser.
"Evan and Seth have been doing amazing things and we're so excited to work with them. Ben, not so much," McKay said in a typically funny statement carried by The Hollywood Reporter. "Most of my problems with him are personal ones, but I have to give it up. He did come up with a great idea."
As for Evan and Seth, they’re just as happy. “Every 2,000 years, the planets of our galaxy align in a perfect line that funnels the cosmic energies of the universe to flow into one perfect comedic collaboration. The time is now. This is that project. Nothing will ever be the same. McKay and Schwartz are real smart, well-endowed guys, and we couldn't be more excited to be working with them.”
Good Universe, which worked with Goldberg and Rogen on Bad Neighbours, is gearing up to back the eventual comedy. Schwartz will be back on the big screen in Shawn Levy’s This Is Where I Leave You, out here on October 24. He’s also part of the cast for Robert Zemeckis’ Philippe Petit film The Walk, landing on October 2 next year. And before that, he’s in Rogen and Goldberg’s latest directorial effort The Interview, scheduled for February 6 next year.