Joseph Gordon-Levitt has come on to star alongside Seth Rogen in Summit Entertainment and Mandate Pictures’ untitled comedy. The studio says that Levitt has replaced James McAvoy “as he has left the production due to unrelated circumstances beyond his control.”
The film, which will now begin shooting the week of March 8 in Vancouver, also stars Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard, Anjelica Huston and Philip Baker Hall.
The film will be directed by Jonathan Levine from a script penned by Will Reiser. The project will be produced by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg and Ben Karlin. Reiser is executive producing along with Mandate Pictures’ president Nathan Kahane.
Rogen stated: “It’s incredibly unfortunate that circumstances outside of everyone’s control have taken James away from the project, but, with James’s blessing, we were able to have Joseph step in to take on the role of Adam. We all look forward to working with James in the future.”
Levine said: “I feel extremely lucky that our film has found an exceptional actor to step into the role of Adam. I have admired Joseph’s work since ‘Brick,’ and I am so excited to work with him.”
The untitled comedy is a funny, touching, and original story of friendship, love, and survival — in no particular order. The movie will feature Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon-Levitt dealing with life, death, and love interests.
Gordon-Levitt’s credits include the upcoming film Inception, along with the recent Sundance entry Hesher, (500) Days of Summer, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra and Brick.
Erik Feig, Summit’s President of Production, and Michael Schaefer, Summit’s Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions, will oversee the project for the studio. Nicole Brown will oversee the project for Mandate Pictures. Lionsgate is handling international sales.