Editorial Staff
Larry Charles, the “Seinfeld” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” alum who went on to direct Sacha Baron Cohen movies’ “Borat” and “The Dictator”, will remake the Australian comedy “The Man Who Sued God”. The original film starred Billy Connolly and Judy Davis.
Los Angeles, CA – May 29, 2014 – It was revealed today that Larry Charles (“Borat,” “The Dictator,” TV’s “Seinfeld,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm”) will write a reimagined version of the cult Australian hit “The Man Who Sued God” for New Films International (NFI) with an eye toward directing.
NFI founder and President Nesim Hason and Mace Neufeld (“The Hunt for Red October,” “Patriot Games,” Sony’s upcoming “The Equalizer” with Denzel Washington) are producing the new project with Sixth Sense Productions principals Richard Harding and Sam Feuer (“The First Grader”).
Charles’ take on “The Man Who Sued God” is expected to veer from the original premise, which involves a former lawyer who had found happiness with a simpler life and career – until a natural disaster strikes and he is denied insurance money because it was ‘an act of God’. He re-registers as a lawyer and sues the insurance company and the church under the guise of God, defending himself.
“The Man Who Sued God” is the second project to come through NFI’s multi-picture development deal with Mace Neufeld. They are also teaming to produce the $60+ million WWII action thriller “The Pursuit.”
“When it comes to broad commercial comedy that taps into the pulse of society, Larry Charles is the undisputed king,” said Hason. “There is no one I would rather have at the helm of this project than Larry and to make the film alongside Mace, under our newly formed partnership, makes it all the more special for us. We can’t wait to get started.”
Hason added, “No one can say Mace and I aren’t diversified. Following up on our WWII action thriller with a Larry Charles comedy is something nobody probably say coming, but we’re so excited to be in the position we are in right now.”
NFI surprised Cannes buyers earlier today with sneak first-time footage (10min) of James Franco’s recently wrapped feature “The Sound and the Fury,” which Franco directed and stars in with Seth Rogen, Danny McBride and Tim Blake Nelson. The film is an adaptation of William Faulkner’s classic novel THE SOUND AND THE FURY.
One of the more subversive figures in late 20th century and early 21st century comedy, Larry Charles was a former stand-up who brought a sense of enlightened anarchy to such groundbreaking series as “Seinfeld” (NBC, 1989-1998) and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (HBO, 2000-2011 ) as well as to big screen hits like “Borat,” “Bruno,” “Religulous” and “The Dictator.” A provocateur whose skill at intelligent, absurdist humor was matched – or countered – by his penchant for over-the-top gags, Charles’ creations have amassed a huge fan base that has elevated him to the forefront of the comedy scene where he has invariably made headlines and furthered his status as one of the industry’s most creative figures.
