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.
About New Films International
Founded in 1996 by Nesim Hason and with Hason's experience in the business in Europe since 1980, New Films International (NFI) was established as a full service production, sales and financing company based in Los Angeles and is actively engaged in the production, acquisition, and worldwide licensing of theatrical feature films and television series, and boasts an impressive catalogue featuring hundreds of high quality titles in all genres.
Under the direction of newly appointed CEO Amy Beecroft, the company is positioned to be a major supplier of quality commercial, theatrical projects for the studios and major independents worldwide.
In response to emerging digital distribution opportunities, NFI has pioneered a unique partner program where it makes its catalog of films available on Video On Demand platforms throughout the world.
The company also distributes and produces scripted television series, such as the internationally successful UNDERCOVER, a 1-Hour Crime Drama from Bulgaria National Television that launched in April 2013 with Sony AXN throughout Latin
America (as INFILTRADO) The critically acclaimed Series has sold in over 79 territories around the world. NFI is moving further into production on TV Series, developing local language scripted dramas, telenovelas and reality-shows in Eastern Europe and Latin
America as well as setting up shows with U.S. Broadcasters.
For more information please visit www.newfilmsint.com
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