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Mendes, Eggers take on American comedy; Krasinski, Rudolph rumored to star

Jan 24, 2008, 03:13 AM | by Sean Smith

Categories: Movie Biz

Johnkrasinski_l American Beauty director Sam Mendes is taking another look at the American family, this time in a comedy written by author Dave Eggers (A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius) and his novelist/editor wife, Vendela Vida (And Now You Can Go). The untitled film, which is being produced and co-financed by Big Beach Films (Little Miss Sunshine), follows a couple, pregnant with their first child, as they travel America looking for the ideal place to settle down. Focus Features, which will distribute the film, hasn't confirmed casting, but John Krasinski (The Office), pictured, and Maya Rudolph (SNL) are rumored to star.

This will be Mendes' first film comedy. His last film, the Gulf War drama, Jarhead, drew solid reviews, but fell short of expectations when it was snubbed by the Academy. He's currently in post-production on the 1950s drama Revolutionary Road, starring his wife, Kate Winslet, and Leonardo DiCaprio. Eggers recently co-wrote the screenplay adaption of Maurice Sendak's childhood classic, Where the Wild Things Are. The film, co-written and directed by Spike Jonze (Adaptation) was set to open this summer. Warner Bros. recently pushed its release date to 2009. -- Reported by Nicole Sperling

Tarik Sun, Feb 24, 2008 at 01:15 AM EST

Maya Rudolph is a comic genius! I love her and her late great mother, Minnie Ripperton. She will be fantastic!

Kerry Flinders (Moore) Thu, Feb 14, 2008 at 08:15 PM EST

I am trying to get a hold of one of your reporters by the name of Sean Smith. I have some questions for him regarding an article. Could you please forward this email to him and Sean, would you please email me back? Thank you very much.

lucy Wed, Jan 30, 2008 at 02:09 AM EST

whoever says rudolph isn't a leading lady probably will not understand or enjoy the movie.

Paula Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 05:48 PM EST

Seriously, how can you not love Maya Rudolph?! Blasphemy!

Cassie Fri, Jan 25, 2008 at 05:33 PM EST

YUCK! Maya Ruldoph? Isn't she a hell of a lot older then John (mmm John)??

Jennie Thu, Jan 24, 2008 at 11:05 PM EST

Love the casting, Eggers is a great writer, Mendes a great director - sounds like a can't-miss! Can't wait!

Kellie Thu, Jan 24, 2008 at 02:04 PM EST

Maya Rudolph?? She is not a leading lady; not appealing at all! bad choice!

Jeremy Thu, Jan 24, 2008 at 01:03 PM EST

John and Maya YAAAA this is gonna be great
Jeremy lesser john more maya with that~~~

tex mex Thu, Jan 24, 2008 at 09:08 AM EST

thanks for the picture of John K. how i miss him on thursday nights.

nikki Thu, Jan 24, 2008 at 08:35 AM EST

john and maya together? This is too good to be true!

Brandon Thu, Jan 24, 2008 at 08:01 AM EST

Yay for Sam Mendes & Dave Eggers pairing up. Boo to the rumored casting.

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