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Universal Pictures is fast-tracking an untitled original comedy about a country western star in free fall from Judd Apatow (“Trainwreck,” “King Of Staten Island”) and Glen Powell (“Twisters,” “Hit Man”). Apatow will direct the film with Powell set to star. The two will write the script together.
Apatow will produce through his longstanding Apatow Productions overall deal. Apatow’s relationship with Universal dates back to his 2005 directorial debut, “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” and he has since directed “Knocked Up,” “Funny People,” “This is 40,” “Trainwreck” and “The King of Staten Island” for the studio.
Powell and Dan Cohen will produce through their production company Barnstorm’s newly minted first look deal with Universal. This new collaboration with Apatow is the second project to be produced with Universal since Barnstorm announced their first-look deal in February. Powell’s relationship with the studio originates with his starring role in “Twisters,” which grossed over $267.8 million overall in the domestic box office. Barnstorm is also producing the recently announced” The Natural Order” for the Studio, with Powell attached to star and Barry Jenkins attached to direct.
Kevin Misher will produce through Misher Films. Misher has a long history with Universal Pictures, where he was president of production from 1996-2001 and supervised production for some of the studio’s most acclaimed features, including “Erin Brockovich,” “The Fast and the Furious,” “Meet the Parents” and “The Mummy.” Misher subsequently formed Misher Films, where he has been producing a variety of films over the past two decades, including “Fighting With My Family,” “Coming 2 America” and “You People.”
Senior Executive Vice President of Production Development Erik Baiers will oversee the project on behalf of the studio. Apatow is represented by WME, Mosaic, ID and Ziffren Brittenham LLP. Powell is repped by CAA and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.
