In Hollywood, it is not uncommon for a film to completely stall and be revived years down the road. That trend continues with a glimmer of hope for Fox’s futuristic comedy Used Guys, which once touted director Jay Roach (Meet the Parents) and was set to star Ben Stiller and Jim Carrey in a world run by women where guys are traded like cars. While the film was initially canned for a number of issues, including a blossoming budget upwards of $100 million, a less expensive version may go into production.  According to Variety (via The Playlist), Danny McBride is attached to play the role originally held by Carrey. This would be the third shot at getting Used Guys to finally lens, and a lot is still uncertain at this stage with production slated for late next year. Hit the jump to see all that has changed over the past four years, and what Jay Roach had to say about the film earlier this year.

Things were looking up for Used Guys last year, as Stiller was still attached and Reese Witherspoon was set to join him in a lead role (which was rumored to be the rejigged role of Carrey). Additionally, Little Miss Sunshine helmers Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton were set to direct, in place of Roach. However, nothing seemed to move on the project as news on the film went dark. With the new report of McBride coming on board, there is also the confirmation that Faris and Dayton are still attached, but that leaves many questions unanswered. Stiller has been there from the start, so it’s unlikely that he has suddenly lost interest. Witherspoon’s role seems to be the trickiest of the bunch. McBride is said to be taking over Carrey’s role, but it is unclear whether that was said just to play nice with the sexes or the script has changed again. Carrey had replaced Emily Mortimer originally, and then Carrey’s role was supposedly rejigged to fit Witherspoon when he dropped out and she came on board. So it has reportedly gone from female, male, female, male. I told you there was uncertainty about the project.

And yet, that isn’t the end of the questions for the film. Along with McBride’s attachment came the news that Fox is aiming to scale-back on Used Guys, which means actors that usually demand a hefty fee (like Stiller) might be pushed aside for younger and cheaper talent. With production pegged to begin in late 2011, a lot can change for the film. One thing that remains a key component though is the script, which Roach praised earlier this year when talking with Steve in late July about projects that fell apart: “Well, a couple times it’s happened by my choice but the most painful one happened Used Guys with Jim Carrey and Ben Stiller at Fox which was such a great script and still the best, in my opinion, funniest best un-produced conceptual comedy out there.”

With the recent moves by Fox, perhaps Used Guys can become a reality. Do you think the third time is the charm for this film? Let us know in the comments below.