Judd Apatow’s untitled Stand-up comedy film now has a title - Funny People. Jason Schwartzman and Jonah Hill have also joined the already announced cast which includes Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann and Eric Bana.
So what is it about? Well details are being kept under wraps, but we do know that i is set in the world of standup comedy and that they story will focus on a comedian who has a near-death experience. Apatow and cast members have also commented on how the film has a more dramatic edge than Apatow’s previous efforts, 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up. And the word Dramedy has been floating around, although the stars insist that the script is filled with laughs.
The ensemble cast is really beginning to take shape. Schwartzman is always great when used to his strengths as the eccentric lovable loser trying to take on the world. And I think pretty much everyone expected that Hill would be involved. But the real question is: will Apatow be able to tame Sandler? I hope so, because I don’t think anyone really wants “just another Adam Sandler comedy”, especially with Apatow at the helm. Funny People will hit theaters in Summer 2009.








June 12th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
If you doubt Sandler’s ability, go see Punch Drunk Love and all your worries will go away.
June 12th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Apatow’s inclusion of his wife in f***ing everything is really annoying — and practically ruined an episode of ‘Freaks and Geeks’ at that.
June 12th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Yeah Punch-Drunk Love was incredible. It’s a true sign of a great director when you can take the man who has been at the helm of almost every shitty comedy in the past few years and have him deliver an Oscar-worthy performance. And for the record I think that Leslie Mann, along with Paul Rudd, delivered some of the highlights of Knocked Up. Can’t wait to see this, Apatow rules!
June 12th, 2008 at 1:26 pm
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An added bonus to all Apatow’s movies is Leslie Mann. I liked in “knocked up” when the only good thing Rogen’s character could say about her was, “Her hair is always different.”
I realize she’s not everyone’s cup of sweet tea, but I like the fact that she’s a smartass; a trait which some might mistake for the B or C word.
Smartass women are the best; if you find one hold on to her, however, prepare yourself for the day she turns her smartassiness skills in your direction.
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June 12th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
YES! Jason Schwartzman!
Good news, thanks /film. I agree I loved Punch Drunk Love, own it on DVD btw, but Sandler did a great job in it, and will be interesting to see all the characters they are playing, unless they are just going to act like their usual characters.
Not that im a big fan of Leslie Mann, she adds a nice comedic element to the films, being in 40 yr old virgin, knocked up, and lets not forget Cable Guy(!!!!jimcarreyFTW!!!), as a one Mrs. Robin Harris.
June 12th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Sweet! Jason Schwartzman!
Man this movies looking good already.
June 12th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
/Film, why has your quick link list on the right dissapeared?
What fresh Hell is this?!
June 12th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Awesome: We needed to do an emergency upgrade of our backend yesterday, and right now the sidebar is temp. We’re hoping to have our new design up in a week.
June 12th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
yes-jason schwartzman
no-jonah hill
still, i can’t wait to see this movie
June 12th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
eric bana came out of nowhere. interesting.
June 12th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Eric Bana is just a weird choice in general. Lucky You was the worst romantic comedy of it’s time. All the non acting, and just saying words. Oh look emotional now.
June 12th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Eric Bana was pretty funny in chopper, but I presume apatow has also seen some of his earlier australian stuff. He started his career in comedy, and has been a favorite down under for a long time.
June 12th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
How are they going to fit all of those famous faces on glowing background posters? Will there be like 12 alternate posters? Plus, think of how many viral videos, Funny or Die skits, SNL appearances, and vague comedic moments at obscure award shows this is going to generate - awesome!
June 12th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
It would look even better with Paul Rudd, probably Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader, and my favorite actress, Jenna Fischer.
June 12th, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Jude Apatow cant do no wrong this movie should be great! And Eric Bana is an interesting choice maybe he will add to the more serious part of the film?
June 13th, 2008 at 1:14 am
hm… I didn’t know Eric Bana was funny in anything…
June 13th, 2008 at 7:17 am
Really hope Paul Rudd joins the cast. He is a comedic genius and I can’t imagined all of apatows other movies without him!
July 14th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Eric Bana is the next Chevy Chase. Bet.