Ron Howard to Direct Vince Vaughn in Dark Comedy?
Vince Vaughn
The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Universal is putting together a new film project starring Vince Vaughn and directed by Ron Howard. The film deals with infidelity and will be produced by Howard’s frequent collaborator Brian Grazer as well as Vaughn through his Wild West Picture Show Productions company.
According to THR, “The story follows a man who learns that his best friend’s wife is cheating and must then navigate treacherous waters to decide what do with that knowledge.” This seems to be in the same “dark comedy” (or drama with funny dialogue) tone that was successful for Vaughn in The Break-Up but alienated fans of Seth Rogen (see: Observe and Report and Funny People). Of course, Vaughn is a bigger star and Howard has stellar track record at the box office (and has won several Oscars…).
Interestingly, the THR article indicates there was “dark” material that was left on the cutting-room floor of Couples Retreat. We’ll be sure to analyze the extras on that film’s DVD, scheduled for release in early February. Personally, I though The Break-Up was brilliant and as much as I love the “funny” Vince I’m totally okay with letting the big guy stretch his wings. Of course, with reports that Vaughn tied the knot over the holidays, it probably isn’t too long before he starts to make family-fare that so far has eluded his recent career (no, I don’t count Fred Claus. That film had some dark moments).
Funny thing, I just read that Owen has signed on to star in Farrelly brothers’ new infidelity comedy “Hall Pass”, where Wilson gets a free pass to cheat from his wife when their marriage goes into a lull.
I’m sensing a theme here…
I wonder if Vaughn’s other drama/comedy Sunny & 68 is still slated for this year. That was supposed to start in February. Guess not anymore.
I was underwhelmed by Couples Retreat so I’m not really looking forward to another comedy from him, but hopefully the Howard/Grazer team will be able to elevate this project up a notch.
I don’t think it’s much of a spoiler, but the bits about Jon & Kristen’s character’s cheating on each other in the trailer did not make it into the film. That could be the dark material the writer is referring to. I’m hoping the hilarious scene Jon tweeted about during the reshoots makes it onto the dvd as an extra, as I sure didn’t see it in the film.
I haven’t been in love with Mr Vaughn for a very long time.