Regina Hall will star with Will Ferrell and Zac Efron in a new untitled comedy from Amazon MGM Studios. This collaboration brings together three powerhouse comedic talents who have established themselves among Hollywood’s most bankable stars.
The trio will work with director Nicholas Stoller, who is directing the project from his own script, which was previously titled Judgment Day, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Stoller is known for his successful comedies including Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Neighbors, which have become modern classics in the genre.
The new comedy tells the story of a young convict (Efron) fresh out of prison as he takes a reality TV courtroom hostage because he blames the megalomaniac judge (Ferrell) for a past ruling that he believes has ruined his life. The premise draws inspiration from the increasing popularity of court TV shows, which have become a staple of daytime television programming worldwide.
Hall’s role in movie hasn’t been revealed
No details of Hall’s role have been released. Hall, whose recent performances in “Girls Trip” and “Support the Girls” earned critical acclaim, has established herself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile comedic actresses with an impressive filmography spanning television and film.
The movie will reunite Ferrell with Stoller, after they previously worked together on You’re Cordially Invited with Reese Witherspoon. Their previous collaboration was among the most anticipated comedy projects of the year, demonstrating the industry’s confidence in their creative partnership.
Ferrell, Jessica Elbaum and Alex Brown will produce for Gloria Sanchez Productions and Stoller will produce for Stoller Global Solutions. Gloria Sanchez Productions has been behind several critically acclaimed comedies in recent years, including “Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar” and has a first-look deal with Netflix.
Meanwhile, Zac is set to play dual roles in his upcoming movie ‘Famous’, which is set in Los Angeles and explores the dark side of celebrity. This marks Efron’s first dual role in a feature film, a creative challenge that showcases his growth as an actor since his early career.
Efron will play overenthusiastic fan Lance Dunkquist and Hollywood heartthrob James Jansen in the flick that is being directed by Jody Hill. Hill, co-creator of “Eastbound & Down,” has developed a reputation for dark comedy with biting social commentary that has influenced many contemporary filmmakers.
“Lance Dunkquist has one asset that’s about to change his life – he has the face of a movie star. And not just any movie star – Lance is the spitting image of Hollywood icon, James Jansen. Lance is about to travel to Los Angeles to make his dream come true. Lance is going to be famous, no matter what it takes…” reads a synopsis. The film explores themes of identity and celebrity obsession, topics that have become increasingly relevant in today’s social media-driven culture.
Zac rose to fame as Troy Bolton in Disney’s ‘High School Musical’ franchise and explained that he wanted to challenge himself as an actor by taking parts that audiences might not have expected after moving on from the series. The “High School Musical” franchise catapulted Efron to global stardom and established him as a teen idol before his transition to more diverse adult roles.
“I’m constantly faced with two paths. The road that leads to something everybody has already seen or is expecting, or the more challenging road, which tends to be a bit more confusing and definitely the harder road to take. And inevitably I always go with that road when I can,” he said. This philosophy has guided Efron’s career choices, leading to critically acclaimed performances in a variety of genres.
The untitled Amazon MGM Studios comedy is expected to be a significant addition to the streaming platform’s original content lineup. The project represents Amazon’s continued investment in star-driven comedies as they compete for dominance in the increasingly crowded streaming marketplace.
A unique blend of comic styles
This collaboration between Hall, Ferrell, and Efron brings together actors from different comedy backgrounds, promising a unique blend of comedic styles. Hall‘s subtle, character-driven approach complements Ferrell’s larger-than-life performances and Efron’s evolution from teen heartthrob to versatile actor.
Director Nicholas Stoller’s track record of creating memorable comedic moments while maintaining emotional authenticity suggests this project will likely balance humor with genuine character development. His previous work has shown a talent for ensemble casts and finding the humanity in outlandish situations.
