It’s been a while since we’ve seen Steve Carell and Paul Rudd together on the big screen, but the two have teamed up again for Paramount Pictures’ Dinner for Schmucks (watch the new trailer) and ComingSoon.net visited the Los Angeles set in December where we talked to both of the comedic actors.
The film is a remake of a French film The Dinner Game, but the tone and style of the American version is different. While the original is a favorite with moviegoers, Carell and Rudd chose not to see the film.
“It’s kinda the same way I approached ‘The Office.’ I chose not to watch the original just yet until we’re done, then I’ll see how wonderful it is and realize how short I fall,” Carell joked.
“I do the same thing,” Rudd told us. “I remember when this movie came out about 10 years ago and I remember seeing the trailer and thought it was a great idea for a movie. I knew the movie was beloved, but it was one of those things where I never got around to seeing it. I said the same thing – I’m not going to watch. I’ll watch it when it’s done because I don’t want to do what the other character does… like speak French.”
“These characters are very specific. I just don’t want to copy it in any way,” Carell added.
“I heard our version is pretty different. I think the French version takes place mostly in his…” Rudd replied.
“France,” Carell chimed in.
“Where this is all Los Angeles,” Rudd said.
The film is about a group of employees working for a corporation who invite “schmucks” to a monthly dinner party and the employee who brings the most eccentric character to attend as his guest is the winner.
Tim (Rudd) is responsible for bringing Barry (Carell) to the event and drama begins to unfold once the group of party guests realize they’re being made fun of.
The film, opening July 23rd, is directed by Jay Roach (Meet the Parents, Meet the Fockers) and also stars Ron Livingston, Bruce Greenwood and Zach Galifianakis.
Stay tuned for more from the set closer to the film’s release.
