In his quest to keep some variety in his filmmaking choices, Steve Carell has often hit a rich vein with animated movies aimed at younger audiences. While Over The Hedge wasn’t a winner, both Horton Hears A Who and Despicable Me did well, with the latter spawning a sequel due next year. Now he’s considering branching out into live action kids filming, circling a choice part in the film adaptation of **Alexander And The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.
Originally published by Judith Viorst in 1972, Alexander has become a popular kids’ book in several countries, and has been adapted for both TV (by HBO in 1990) and the stage.
Focusing on the misfortune-prone titular character, the book chronicles one very bad day in poor Alexander’s life. Nothing seems to go right for him from the moment he wakes up and all day through school.
Lisa Cholodenko, who last made** The Kids Are All Right**, is directing the new version, written by Rob Lieber. The storyline will naturally have to be expanded, and Carell is considering playing a character named Ben. The film is currently in development by Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps company with 20th Century Fox.
Carell has Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World and Hope Springs due this year, followed by The Incredible Burt Wonderstone and the aforementioned Despicable Me 2 in 2013. We’re also anticipating him keeping space in his packed schedule for Anchorman 2. Mr Carell, if you're reading this, KEEP SPACE IN YOUR SCHEDULE FOR ANCHORMAN 2.