Tobey Maguire to Produce New York Comedy ‘I Take You’ With ‘Whiplash’ Producer

The “Spider-Man” star’s Material banner has secured rights to Eliza Kennedy’s debut novel

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In a competitive situation, Tobey Maguire and Matthew Plouffe’s company Material has secured rights to Eliza Kennedy’s debut novel “I Take You,” which the duo will produce with Helen Estabrook, one of the Oscar-nominated producers of “Whiplash,” it was announced Wednesday.

Estabrook brought the book to Material’s attention, and she and Plouffe will spearhead development of the project, which author Kennedy is set to adapt.

Published by Crown on May 5, “I Take You” is described as a smart, sophisticated comedy that has drawn comparisons to “Bridget Jones’ Diary.”

The story follows 20-something New York lawyer Lily Wilder as her wedding to the seemingly perfect fiancé approaches in beautiful Key West. Lily is whip-smart, unapologetically self-assured, and not-quite-capable of being faithful to one man. So as her wedding day approaches, Lily starts to ask questions about whether the happiest day of her life might turn out to be her worst mistake yet.

“Eliza has a rare voice — the book is as hilarious as it is provocative. She challenges readers to ask questions about the state of marriage and monogamy in the 21st century that are exciting and even polarizing. The reaction to the book already suggests it’s going to spark a lot of discussion, and that it’s tailor-made for film,” said Plouffe.

Kennedy, who previously served as editor-in-chief of the Harvard Law Review, is represented by WME and Management 360.

Material is repped by WME and Huy Nguyen of Hansen, Jacobson, who negotiated the deal.

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