[Update: 5/11 2:18 p.m.: Paramount announced it will release the Untitled Mann/Apatow Comedy on April 15, 2016.]
Paramount Pictures has acquired U.S. distribution rights to a currently untitled female comedy that will star Leslie Mann and be produced by her husband, Judd Apatow, the studio announced Friday.
“The Hangover” writers Jon Lucas and Scott Moore will direct from their original screenplay, and Paramount will release the film in theaters on April 15, 2016.
Block Entertainment and Merced Media are producing alongside Apatow and Josh Church for Apatow Productions. Production begins this summer in New York, with plot details being kept under wraps. Merced Media is fully financing the project, with Bill Block and Merced’s Raj Brinder Singh producing. Block Entertainment partner John Friedberg will executive produce.
“We are excited to be partnering with Judd, Bill and their teams for this great project. Leslie, Jon and Scott are among the best comedic talents working today and their combined forces will no doubt make for an incredibly funny movie that the whole team here is excited to be a part of,” said Marc Evans, president of Paramount’s Motion Picture Group.
“Paramount has a creative and innovative team and they recognize great comedies. This film is going to be wildly appealing and we’re thrilled to partner with Paramount to make this a giant global release,” added Block.
In October, Block partnered with Merced Capital’s Raj Brinder Singh and PalmStar Media Capital’s Kevin Frakes to launch Merced Media, a $500 million new development, production and financing vehicle.
Block and Friedberg are producing under the Block Entertainment banner and are currently in production on “Dirty Grandpa” starring Robert De Niro and Zac Efron, which Lionsgate will release in the U.S. They have also produced and financed such films as: David Ayer’s “Fury” with Brad Pitt; Neill Blomkamp’s “District 9” and “Elyisum” with Matt Damon; John Turturro’s “Fading Gigolo” starring Woody Allen; and Oliver Stone’s “W.” with Josh Brolin.