Talk about a stacked cast. Lake Bell, the break-out star of Sundance darling In A World…, just signed on to star alongside Britcom all-star Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz) in Man Up, a romantic comedy set to be helmed by The Inbetweeners director Ben Palmer.
The script, penned by Tess Morris, made the 2011 Brit List (a take-off of the Hollywood Black List for popular, unproduced screenplays) and was soon scooped up by Big Talk Pictures and StudioCanal. Bell will play a single woman named Nancy, who is on her way to her parents’ anniversary when she’s mistaken for a stranger’s blind date. The serendipitous case of mistaken identity leads to Nancy finally finding the boyfriend of her dreams.
Though Man Up‘s story sounds a little generic, the talent involved is unmistakable. Bell garnered awards buzz earlier this year for In A World…, which she directed, produced, wrote and starred in, and she’s currently one of Hollywood’s most wanted. Meanwhile, Pegg is one of the best-known British comedians working today, with a diverse filmography that includes Hollywood blockbusters (Star Trek), small comedies (Burke and Hare) and just about everything in between. Finally, Ben Palmer, who directed multiple episodes of the cult ITV series The Inbetweeners, has already made an impression in British comedy, even with only one film credit to his name (2011’s The Inbetweeners Movie).
Pegg and Nira Park will produce for Big Talk Pictures. The UK banner has collaborated with Pegg throughout his career, from the actor’s breakout series Spaced up through his latest film, alien-invasion comedy The World’s End. Big Talk also recently produced Joe Cornish’s instant classic Attack the Block.
Cameras are set to roll on Man Up in January of next year, for a likely release date in late 2014 or early 2015.
Are you excited to see all of this talent come together for this comedy, or does the simple rom-com set-up leave you less than enthused about Man Up‘s prospects? Sound off in the comments section!