The Hollywood Reporter brings word that the cast of Paramount’s What Men Want has added two key cast members with both Tracy Morgan (30 Rock) and Aldis Hodge (Straight Outta Compton, Hidden Figures). The two join Taraji P. Henson (Proud Mary, Acrimony), who will lead the film, a gender-swapped version of the 2000 Nancy Meyers film What Women Want.
The original What Women Want had Mel Gibson in the lead role as a chauvinistic marketing exec who is suddenly granted the ability to hear what women think after a freak incident involving multiple ladies items. What Men Want will see Henson portray a sports agent who is constantly disregarded by her male colleagues. When she is bestowed the power of hearing what men think, she utilizes her newfound ability by striving to sign the NBA’s next superstar.
Nancy Meyers’ original film also starred Marisa Tomei, Alan Alda, Logan Lerman, Bette Midler, and Sarah Paulson. The film quickly became a worldwide sensation, and brought in over $374 million at the global box office when it was released (which is over $535 million if adjusted for inflation). What Women Want remains the highest grossing film of Meyers career.
What Men Want is set to be directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray) and will debut in theaters on January 11, 2019.
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