Kay Cannon’s directorial debutBlockerswas easily one of the top-3 funniest films of last year, and I’ve been eager to see what kind of doors it would open for her in Hollywood. Today brings word that Cannon will direct the Lionsgate comedy79ers, which is being produced by industry heavyweightsSeth RogenandWill Ferrell.
The film follows a group of estranged friends who are forced back together after 20 years to complete a treasure hunt they attempted as misfit teens, but never completed. Lionsgate’sNathan Kahanesaid the studio is aiming for something along the lines of “The Gooniesfor adults.”
Rogen andEvan Goldberg’s Point Grey banner is producing with Ferrell’s Gary Sanchez banner. It’s unclear whetherAdam McKaywill be involved, as he and Ferrell recently split, but I imagine this project has been in the works for some time, so he’ll likely have some kind of credit, as willJessica Elbaum. The truth is, none of these names, not even Rogen and Ferrell, were included in Lionsgate’s press release, likely because those producing credits are still being determined.
What we do know is thatDylan Meyerhas been hired to work on the screenplay, which was originally written by none other thanBen Schwartz. Lionsgate execsMatthew JanzenandBrady Fujikawawill oversee development on behalf of the studio, whileJosh Fagenwill oversee the project for Point Grey, andKevin Messickwill oversee for Gary Sanchez.
“Kay is wonderful at capturing characters in situational conflict and is the perfect choice for this re-engineered coming-of-age comedy. I hope when we are finished with this film it feels likeGooniesfor adults,” said Kahane. “I have loved this script ever since I first read it. It has such great roles for a group of actors, as our estranged friends have the wisdom and life experience of 30 year-olds, but the baggage of their teen years that they have to overcome as they reunite for a legendary treasure hunt that has eluded them for decades.”
Kahane and Rogen previously worked with Cannon onBlockers, which was released by Universal to the tune of nearly $100 million worldwide. That’s the same studio behind the Cannon-scriptedPitch Perfectfranchise, which has grossed over $500 million worldwide.
Cannon is the creator/showrunner of the Netflix seriesGirlbossstarringBritt Robertson. That’s where she met her now-producing partnerLaverne McKinnon, with whom she launched the production company K&L Productions. Their company has set up several projects through their first-look deal with Sony Pictures TV, including an hour-long action comedy to Amazon Studios, which Cannon co-created and will direct. She’s also the writer-director of Sony’s upcoming musical comedy reimagining ofCinderella, starringCamila Cabello. Cannon is represented by WME.
