On the heels of the filmâs first trailer being released, a new poster has popped up for This Is 40, writer-director Judd Apatowâs âsort-of sequel to Knocked Up.â After supporting roles in the first film, Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann step into the spotlight this time around as Apatow explores the comically embattled coupleâs aging relationship, and their attempts to escape the domestic hell illustrated on this poster. It features Mann looking on in exhausted disgust as an oblivious Rudd sits on the toilet not ten feet away, snuffing out any shred of mystique that was left in their relationship. A well-constructed visual gag that cannily expresses the filmâs relatable premise.Hit the jump to check it out. This Is 40 also stars Albert Brooks, Megan Fox, Chris OâDowd, Lena Dunham, Ryan Lee, Charlene Yi, and Wyatt Russell, with appearances by Jason Segel (reprising his role from Knocked Up) and Melissa McCarthy. It opens on December 21. [Update: We've been informed that the poster was not approved for release and have been asked by the studio to take it down. We'll have the official poster up once it's released]This Is 40 marks Judd Apatowâs fourth turn in the directorâs chair and his first since 2009âs Funny People. While heâs kept fairly busy on the producing end of things (helping craft hits like Get Him to the Greek and Bridesmaids) itâll be a welcome return to the helm. No one does raunchy comedy with a heart quite like Apatow. Moreover, the Special Features packages on his DVDs are always outstanding; the guy really knows how to take care of his fans.Here's the official synopsis for This Is 40:
Writer/director/producer Judd Apatow (The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Funny People) brings audiences This Is 40, an original comedy that expands upon the story of Pete (Paul Rudd) and Debbie (Leslie Mann) from the blockbuster hit Knocked Up as we see firsthand how they are dealing with their current state of life.