What a difference a hit makes… X-Men: The Last Stand co-writer Zak Penn has, somewhat unsurprisingly, found some fresh financing for his passion project.
He’s planning an improvised ensemble comedy based around poker called The Grand. Woody Harrelson, Ray Liotta, Ray Romano, Jason Alexander, Cheryl Hines and – no, honest – director Werner Herzog will all appear and improv their lines based on Penn’s outline. The storyline revolves around an international card tournament, with the actors playing real games.
"A lot of actors were intrigued by this, because they are naturally competitive. And the fact that poker has become this crazy phenomenon isn't unhelpful to us," Penn told Variety. He adds that the cast has learned to play poker for the film. Which is convenient, or else it would be a very short, frustrating film.