Ben Stiller is in talks to star in Mike White’s “Brad’s Status” for Sidney Kimmel Entertainment, which will finance and produce with Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment.
White will direct from his own script. The film is set to begin shooting this September.
The film centers around Brad who, despite a good career and happy family, is obsessed with the better fortunes of his old friends from school. While escorting his son on an East Coast tour of colleges, Brad is forced to confront his friends and his feelings of failure.
White and Plan B brought the project to SKE. White will produce along with David Bernad, Plan B and SKE.
SKE is currently discussing the project with potential domestic distribution partners.
“Mike White’s bold comedic voice echoes throughout this terrifically funny, and often poignant story about family, friends and the curveballs life throws our way,” said SKE President John Penotti and production president Carla Hacken. “Ben Stiller has that rare ability to balance his amazing comedic skills with an emotional depth that brings us all closer to his characters. He’s so perfect for this great part. We’re proud to be in business with Plan B on this terrific project.”
White’s feature credits include writing “School of Rock.” “The Good Girl” and “Nacho Libre” along writing and directing the comedy “Year of the Dog,” starring Molly Shannon and John C. Reilly. He starred with Laura Dern in HBO’s “Enlightened,” which he co-created, wrote and directed.
Stiller most recently completed production on Noah Baumbach’s “The Meyerowitz Stories” opposite Dustin Hoffman and Adam Sandler.
Plan B’s credits include “The Big Short” and “Selma.” SKE’s upcoming films include “Hell or High Water,” starring Jeff Bridges, Chris Pine and Ben Foster
