Bradley Cooper got one. So did Zach Galifianakis. And now Ed Helms has become the latest star to receive a career bump off the back of The Hangover’s success.
Helms, whose sweet-natured Stu was arguably that movie’s secret weapon, has secured the lead role in Cedar Rapids, a comedy to be directed by Miguel Arteta, taking time off from the Everton midfield to call the shots.*
Helms, who actually developed the idea for the flick along with the writer, Phil Johnston, will play a timid, piteous insurance salesman who travels to a convention on a mission to save the jobs of his colleagues.
It’s a bit of a coup for Helms, who has been very much a supporting player throughout his career, including his wonderful turn as the cuckolded Andy on the US version of The Office. Now he’s getting a chance to take centre stage and we hope he grabs it with both hands.
Alexander Payne will produce the movie, which may well end up at Fox Searchlight, according to Variety. It starts shooting in October, when Helms will be on hiatus from The Office.
Yes, we know, we know. That’s Mikel Arteta. Miguel is the director of The Good Girl and the forthcoming Michael Cera comedy, Youth In Revolt. Glad we cleared that up.