Jay Roach

Warner Brothers Eyes Tom Cruise and Robert Downey Jr. to Lead EL PRESIDENTE; Jay Roach in Talks to Direct

by Matt Currie    Posted: May 14th, 2012 at 2:06 pm

Mega-star team-ups are all the rage these days. We’ve got everyone who ever kicked ass in the 1990s joining forces in The Expendables 2, Arnold and Stallone raiding The Tomb shoulder to shoulder and…um…Oh God, what am I forgetting? Anyway, Warner Brothers has its sights set on creating another, reportedly hoping to convince Tom Cruise (Rock of Ages) and Robert Downey Jr. (The Avengers….Right, of course!) to sign on for action- comedy El Presidente, which Jay Roach (Meet the Parents, HBO’s Game Change) is currently in talks to direct.

The flick would see Cruise stepping into the role of a gung-ho Secret Service agent assigned to protect a particularly reviled former President of the United States played by Downey Jr. At the moment, offers have not been made to either actor, but that could be forthcoming. Hit the jump for more.

First Trailer and Poster for THE CAMPAIGN Starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: May 11th, 2012 at 7:08 am

Earlier this week, we showed you a couple of fake campaign ads for Jay Roach‘s comedy The Campaign starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis.  Today, Warner Bros. has released the first trailer and poster.  The film centers on an incumbent candidate (Ferrell) who doesn’t expect to be opposed in his run for a fifth-term, but he finds an unexpected challenger in the unassuming and dim-witted Marty Huggins (Galifianakis).  I was hoping that the trailer would deliver more laughs than the campaign ads, but no dice.  Yes, there’s some baby-punching at the end, but overall this looks like another weak comic effort from Roach.

Hit the jump to check out the trailer.  The film also stars The film also stars Jason Sudeikis, Dylan McDermott, Brian Cox, John Lithgow, and Dan Aykroyd.  The Campaign opens August 10th.

Facebook Sites for THE CAMPAIGN Provide First Clips from the Comedy Starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: May 7th, 2012 at 9:08 am

Warner Bros. has set up two Facebook sites to promote Jay Roach‘s upcoming comedy The Campaign.  Will Ferrell plays politician Cam Brady, who is squaring off his political rival, Marty Huggins (Zach Galifianakis).  Each candidate now has a Facebook site along with campaign ads that provide the first clips from the movie.  Sadly, these glimpses are pretty disappointing.  In a year where we’ve seen staggering stupidity from Republican presidential candidates, The Campaign seems to traffic more in malapropisms and predictable political sparring.  Hopefully, future glimpses of the film will feature better jokes.

Hit the jump to check out the campaign ads.  The film also stars Jason Sudeikis, Dylan McDermott, Brian Cox, John Lithgow and Dan Aykroyd. The Campaign opens August 10th.

First Official Image of Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis in THE CAMPAIGN Along with New Plot Details [Updated with Hi-Res]

by Dave Trumbore    Posted: March 23rd, 2012 at 7:29 pm

About a month ago, we brought you these set photos from The Campaign (previously known as Dog Fight), starring Will Ferrell (Old School) and Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover). Now, we have the first official image from the movie which features Ferrell and Galifianakis’ characters as political opponents posing for a photograph. The plot of The Campaign follows Cam Brady (Ferrell) and Marty Huggins (Galifianakis), two North Carolina politicians who each have Presidential aspirations and are vying for a congressional seat in their district. This image isn’t as colorful as the previous set photos, but Galifianakis’ awkwardness is shining through loud and clear.

Directed by Jay Roach (Meet the Parents), The Campaign also stars Jason Sudeikis, Dylan McDermott, Brian Cox, John Lithgow and Dan Aykroyd. Look for The Campaign to appear in theaters on August 10th. Hit the jump to see the image and a bonus quote from Ferrell. [Update: We've updated the image with a hi-res version]

BULLET TO THE HEAD, Starring Sylvester Stallone, Loses Release Date; Ferrell-Galifianakis Political Comedy Gets New Title

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: February 24th, 2012 at 7:18 am

This morning, we have the most interesting of all news stories: release dates and title changes!  How else will you know when things are coming out or what they’ll be called?  These are fundamental changes and you should appreciate them.  First up, Deadline reports that Walter Hill‘s action flick Bullet to the Head, starring Sylvester Stallone, has been kicked off the release calendar.  The film was set to open on April 13th against The Cabin in the Woods and The Three Stooges, but now it’s floating in limbo.  Bullet to the Head follows a New Orleans hitman who teams up with a Gotham cop to hunt down those responsible for the deaths of their respective partners.

Hit the jump for the new title of the Will Ferrell-Zach Galifianakis political comedy.

Full Trailer for HBO’s GAME CHANGE

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: January 31st, 2012 at 2:58 pm

The first full trailer for HBO’s Game Change has gone online. Directed by Jay Roach (Recount), the film follows the behind-the-scenes turmoil of the 2008 John McCain Presidential campaign. While we’ve previously seen tiny bits of Julianne Moore’s performance as Sarah Palin, this full trailer puts her front and center with stunning results. Moore has gone above and beyond here to embody the former Vice Presidential candidate, and nails all the nuances of Palin’s character. Roach and screenwriter Danny Strong previously teamed up for the stellar Recount, and it looks as though they’ve expertly executed yet another real-life political drama. While some of Palin’s behavior in the trailer might come across as staged, the film is based on John Heilemann and Mark Halperin’s book of the same name which was the culmination of their unrivaled access to both Presidential campaigns.

Hit the jump to check out the trailer. The film also stars Ed Harris, Woody Harrelson, Ron Livingston, Sarah Paulson, Peter MacNicol, Justin Gaston, Larry Sullivan, Jamey Sheridan, and Melissa Farman. Game Change premieres on HBO March 10th.

Jason Sudeikis Joins Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis in DOG FIGHT

by Matt Goldberg    Posted: October 24th, 2011 at 1:58 pm

Jason Sudeikis has joined Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis in Jay Roach‘s political comedy Dog Fight.  The movie, formerly titled Southern Rivals, is about rival politicians (Ferrell and Galifianakis) in a small congressional district in South Carolina (hence the original title).  THR doesn’t say what role Sudeikis will play but hopefully it won’t be the smarmy lothario he played three times this year (Hall Pass, Horrible Bosses, and A Good Old Fashioned Orgy).  The film also stars Sarah Baker (In Gayle We Trust) and Katherine LaNasa (Valentine’s Day).  Filming is set to begin in mid-November in New Orleans for an August 2012 release.

While it’s encouraging that Shawn Harwell (Eastbound & Down) and frequent Ferrell collaborator Chris Henchy (The Other Guys) wrote the script, I’m wary of Roach.  He botched the dark comedy in Dinner for Schmucks, but maybe he’ll fare better at politics since he directed the election dramas Recount and the upcoming Game Change.

Mike Myers Closes Deal to Return in AUSTIN POWERS 4 [UPDATED]

by Brendan Bettinger    Posted: August 13th, 2011 at 9:26 am

There have been rumors of an Austin Powers 4 in the works pretty much since Austin Powers in Goldmember grossed nearly $300 million worldwide in 2002.  Some of the talk postulated a movie that centers entirely on Dr. Evil.  That always sounded awful to this writer, so I’m glad to from Hitfix that when Mike Myers closed a deal to return for Austin Powers 4, the deal is to return as Austin Powers.  And as Dr. Evil, and probably as Fat Bastard, too.

Director Jay Roach, the man who directed the first three Austin Powers movies, is not confirmed for the sequel.  But during press for his last movie, Dinner for Schmucks, he was already talking about ideas for Austin Powers 4, specifically how he would like to do it in 3D.  Read what he had to say after the jump.

[Update: Deadline reports that Myers hasn't officially signed a deal for Austin Powers 4 yet, but his reps came to New Line this week to express interest in the deal. In short, AP4 is most likely happening, but it may not be official just yet.]

Universal Picks Up Family Adventure Pitch With Jay Roach Producing

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: May 26th, 2011 at 3:41 pm

Universal has picked up an untitled action comedy pitch from screenwriter Larry Stuckey (Little Fockers). The plot centers on a man and woman who decide to put their adventuring behind them in order to start a family. However, when the droll of everyday life starts to kick in, the man sets out on a quest to find “a long-buried, fabled icon” with his family in tow, convinced they’re going on a family vacation. Stucky will write the script, and Jay Roach (Dinner for Schmucks) is on board to produce.

Heat Vision reports that Dean Parisot (Fun With Dick and Jane) will direct the flick. While Stuckey’s resume doesn’t necessarily exert confidence, Roach is a skilled producer (if a little hit-and-miss) and Parisot is the man behind the comedy masterwork Galaxy Quest, so there’s hope yet. Roach is currently directing the HBO political drama Game Change, based on the expose of the 2008 presidential election. He then moves on to the Will Ferrell-Zach Galifianakis political comedy Rivals.

First Look at Ed Harris as John McCain in HBO’s GAME CHANGE

by Ethan Anderton    Posted: May 16th, 2011 at 11:03 am

Last month we got our first look at Julianne Moore as Sarah Palin in HBO’s political drama film Game Change. Now we have our first look at the other star of the film with an image of Ed Harris as presidential candidate and Senator John McCain. Once again, the resemblance is uncanny, and I can’t wait to see Harris actually portraying McCain in the film. See the full image after the jump.

Release Dates for DARK SHADOWS, JOURNEY 2: THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND 3D, Will Ferrell Comedy RIVALS and WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: May 12th, 2011 at 4:36 pm

We’ve got a few release dates to report on today, via Box Office Mojo. First up, Warner Bros. has scheduled a trio of its films for 2012. Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows will hit theaters on May 11^th 2012. The remake of the 1960’s gothic soap opera stars Johnny Depp, Eva Green and Chloe Moretz. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island 3D, the sequel to the Brendan Fraser adventure flick, will be released on January 27^th, 2012. Josh Hutcherson reprises his role from the original, with Dwayne Johnson, Michael Caine and Vanessa Hudgens rounding out the cast.

Additionally, Jay Roach’s political comedy Rivals (previously referred to as Southern Rivals) is slated for August 10^th, 2012, just in time for election season. The film pits Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis as opposing political candidates in the South. Lionsgate also decided to get in on the release date game today, as they’ve set the due date for What to Expect When You’re Expecting on May 11^th, opposite Dark Shadows. That film currently has Cameron Diaz set to star.

Rainn Wilson Talks HESHER, SUPER, GALAXY QUEST, and His Jay Roach Produced Renaissance Fair Movie

by Steve 'Frosty' Weintraub    Posted: May 11th, 2011 at 9:18 am

With writer/director Spencer Susser’s Hesher getting released this weekend, I recently got to sit down with the cast and Susser to talk about the film.  Before going any further, if you haven’t seen the trailer, I suggest checking it out here.  While the summer is filled with huge explosions and movies that cost hundreds of millions of dollars, I promise you…none of them feature a main character as crazy as Hesher.  Playing the lead is Joseph Gordon-Levitt and it’s an awesome performance. The film also stars Rainn Wilson, Natalie Portman, and Devin Brochu.

While I already posted my video interviews with Susser and Gordon-Levitt, I’ve got one more and it’s with Rainn Wilson.  During the interview we talked about the positive response to Super, what attracted him to Hesher, what was it like on set, and we also talked about what’s the last video game he’s played, does he ever get recognized from being in Galaxy Quest, and what is he working on now.  Hit the jump to watch.

Exclusive: Will Ferrell Talks STEP BROTHERS 2 and Political Comedy SOUTHERN RIVALS with Zach Galifianakis

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: May 1st, 2011 at 12:32 pm

Yesterday, Steve got the chance to talk to Will Ferrell in anticipation of his new film Everything Must Go.  While we’ll have the entirety of his interview up the week of release, Ferrell gave a few tidbits on upcoming projects that we thought we’d share with you right away.  I know most of you are lamenting the loss of Anchorman 2 (really, Paramount? Really?), but Ferrell shared some great news regarding a follow-up to another Ferrell-Adam McKay project: Step Brothers.

Step Brothers, I’ve found, is one of those movies that grows on you exponentially each time you watch it. If you weren’t thrilled with a first-watch, give it another chance and you’re almost guaranteed to find it chock-full of comedic gold nuggets. Ferrell told Steve that he, director Adam McKay and co-star John C. Reilly recently had a meeting about possibly doing Step Brothers 2.  Hit the jump for more, including an update on the political comedy Southern Rivals co-starring Zach Galifianakis.

First Look at Julianne Moore as Sarah Palin in HBO’s GAME CHANGE; Peter MacNicol, Sarah Paulson and More Join Cast

by Ethan Anderton    Posted: April 27th, 2011 at 11:43 am

We just had Ron Livingston join the cast of HBO’s political drama film Game Change, but now we have a few new cast members and our first look at another cast member in full wardrobe as a familiar vice presidential candidate. As you can see, that’s Julianne Moore all dressed up as John McCain’s running mate Sarah Palin. As for our new cast members, Deadline reports Sarah Paulson (Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip), Peter MacNicol (24) and Justin Gaston (The Escapee) have joined the cast while THR reports Larry Sullivan (CSI), Jamey Sheridan (Trauma) and Melissa Farman (Temple Grandin) will also star in the film. See the full photo of Julianne Moore as Sarah Palin after the jump along with a brief synopsis of the film and details on our new cast members’ characters.

Ed Harris to Play John McCain in HBO’s GAME CHANGE

by Adam Chitwood    Posted: March 23rd, 2011 at 6:00 pm

Ed Harris has been tapped to play Senator John McCain in HBO’s adaptation of Mark Halperin and John Heilemann’s book Game Change, which follows the behind-the-scenes turmoil of the 2008 presidential election. Julianne Moore was previously announced as signing on to play Sarah Palin. Jay Roach (Dinner for Schmucks) is set to direct the flick from a screenplay by Danny Strong. The director/writer duo previously teamed up on HBO’s Recount, which chronicled the fallout of the 2000 presidential election. Now that McCain and Palin are set, who will be chosen to fill out the Democratic Ticket? Hit the jump for a synopsis of Game Change.

Copyright ©2005 - 2012. All Rights Reserved. California web design