Back in July, we reported that Jason Bateman (Arrested Development) was lining up the 2011 Black List comedy Bad Words as his directorial debut.  We’re happy to say that the production has officially begun and the supporting cast has been significantly rounded out. In addition to Bateman in the lead, the indie comedy will feature Allison Janney (The Help), Kathryn Hahn (Our Idiot Brother), Ben Falcone (Bridesmaids), Philip Baker Hall (Argo), and Rohan Chandz (Jack and Jill).  Andrew Dodge’s comedic script centers on a high-school drop-out (Bateman) who uses a loophole to compete in an 8th grade spelling bee, enraging teachers and parents alike, but befriending an awkward young contestant along the way.  Hit the jump for much more on Bad Words.

Jason Bateman (Arrested Development) is in negotiations to direct the indie picture Bad Words for Darko Entertainment.  The spelling bee comedy, from a  script by Andrew Dodge (Tyro), made the 2011 Black List.  Bateman would not only direct, but star in the picture as well.  Bad Words centers on a bitter thirty-something man who uses a technicality in the rules to enter a national spelling competition for children.  The picture follows the relationships he forms with a female reporter and a young Indian contestant, who he shows lighter side of life.  Sources at Variety place Bateman in the director’s chair for the first time for a feature film.  He previously directed episodes of television shows Arrested Development and Family Matters. Bateman can next be seen in new episodes of Arrested Development and is currently filming with Horrible Bosses director Seth Gordon for the comedy Identity Thief.