The first images from Paramount’s upcoming comedy/dramaWhiskey Tango Foxtrothave arrived, and they showTina Feytaking on a very different kind of role. Previously titledThe Taliban Shuffle, the film is basedKim Barker’s memoirThe Taliban Shuffle: Strange Days in Afghanistan and Pakistanand follows a journalist who’s sent to Kabul on assignment and becomes “entrenched in a culture of adrenaline and parties.”FocusandCrazy, Stupid, Love.helmersGlenn FicarraandJohn Requadirect from a script by Fey’s30 Rockco-showrunnerRobert Carlock, making for a pretty fascinating behind-the-scenes lineup.
During her assignment, Fey’s character crosses paths with a British TV journalist played byMargot Robbie, whom she befriends, withMartin Freemanalso starring as a Scottish war photographer who may or may not be a romantic interest for Fey’s character. The ensemble is filled out byBilly Bob Thorntonas a military-minded general,Alfred Molinaas a local official with a crush on Fey’s character, and formerGirlsactorChristopher Abbotas an Afghan “fixer”.
The premise and tone is tricky to nail down for a film like this, but Carlock tellsUSA Todayhe was aiming for something along the lines ofRobert Altman’s classicMAS*HandMike Nichols’ adaptationCatch-22. That’s certainly much more in line with what one would expect from a political dramedy from the team behind30 RockandUnbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and I’m curious to see how Ficarra and Requa’s direction handles this tone. Their caperFocusfell flat due to odd pacing and confusion over that film’s tone, so maybe they’ve got a better handle onWhiskey Tango Foxtrot.
With these first images arriving today, we should be getting a first look at the trailer soon, which will give us a much better idea of what to expect. For now, peruse the photos below via USA Today.Whiskey Tango Foxtrotopens in theaters on March 4th.
