Shawn Levy may be a pretty busy guy at the moment – he’s hard at work directing Night At The Museum II: Escape From The Smithsonian as Empire types this story (although, given that we’re writing this at 11pm at night, he’s forgiven if he’s asleep right now) – but that hasn’t stopped him adding more projects to his comedy-crammed slate.
The latest to adorn the Levy to-do list is the ensemble comedy, Neighbourhood Watch, which he’s set up at 20th Century Fox, with Jared Stern tapped to write the script.
The plot revolves around an urbanite who moves to the suburbs, enrols in his local neighbourhood watch scheme and then manages to uncover a large conspiracy. And yes, if the words ‘The ’Burbs’ went through your head when you read that, you’re not alone. The 1989 Joe Dante comedy is one of Tom Hanks’ finest hours, and while we’re sure that Neighbourhood Watch will ultimately prove to be a very different kettle of sardines, there are similarities here. And that’s no bad thing.
Levy will also produce through his company, 21 Laps, along with Tom McNulty. 21 Laps is increasingly busy – it also has Date Night set up as a vehicle for Steve Carell and Tina Fey, with Levy attached to direct that as well.
How will he find the time to do that, Night 2 and Neighbourhood Watch? Has he cloned himself? Readers, the truth is out there and Empire won’t rest for a single minute until we get to the bottom of this. Although, it has to be said, it is pretty late and we’re quite tired. OK, when we get up in the morning, we’re going to investigate the hell out of this.
Alright. Maybe Friday. Tomorrow’s laundry day.