Ben Stiller’s diary is causing havoc for 20th Century Fox. It’s not the pitch for a wacky comedy; more that his crowded work schedule means that clone pic Used Guys is being shifted to next year.
Yes, despite Jim Carrey and, more recently, Emily Mortimer getting cast in the film, production on the movie – which posits a future society where cloned blokes such as Carrey and Stiller are bought and sold like cars, has been delayed. And according to whispers, it might never return in its current form.
But the studio seems more confident: "Due to scheduling issues, production is being delayed on Used Guys until sometime next year," blabbed a statement. "The Jay Roach-directed film requires a long prep for its futuristic settings, and both actors have films scheduled for later in the year. All the parties remain committed to making the picture when time permits."
Everybody blame Ben, people. It’s his work on Night At The Museum that’s caused all the chaos.
Still, it’s good news for another Fox film. The Fantastic Four sequel is showing exactly the same amount of backbone in claiming the 4th of July release date that the first film did: none. As the original backed away from War Of The Worlds, so FF2 will shift in the face of Transformers-shaped competition to Used Guys’ old US release slot of June 15.