Cast Read-Through & Joel McHale
May 6, 2010 at 5:24 PM Hi everyone! I have some exciting movie updates!
Okay, first, on Monday I went to Boston for a cast read-through of the script. It was such an amazing experience. Basically, the key players of the cast sit around a table with the director, producers, studio execs, etc. and read the script from beginning to end. There's someone there to read the narration and other people to read the supporting roles, and it kind of gives you an idea of the pacing of the script, what lines work and don't work, etc.
Of the big people cast so far, Anna Faris and Chris Evans were there (of course), as well as Ari Graynor. I was really looking forward to meeting Andy Samberg because I was pretty sure this was going to be the day he falls in love with me, but he couldn't make it. (Boo hoo.)
As for Anna Faris... Now, I'm not just saying this to kiss ass, and if she was only so-so during the reading I would gush about how cute she is (which she is—she's petite and gorgeous), but my God... she is so freaking talented. With all due respect to the amazing supporting cast, Anna Faris could be in this movie alone talking to plants and it would still be awesome. I mean, she owns this character and drives this script. Like, anyone could read it aloud and it would be funny. But when Anna reads it, she brings an element to it that you just can't write. It's like magic. She's like magic.
Anna Faris is magic.
I'm truly blown away by her comedy chops and can't think of another actress who could play this role better than she can. And she was so gracious and nice. After the read-through she gave me a big hug and we chatted about how excited we were. She's just awesome.
As for Chris Evans... he brings such charm and realness to the role of Colin. He's got great comedic timing and he and Anna play so well off each other—it's a great pairing. We also chatted after the read-through and he's so normal, not arrogant at all, but just a total dude—you know what I mean? Like, he showed up in a baseball hat and a backpack, like you could crack open a beer with him and watch the game with him. And after this he's going to London to shoot Captain America—one of the most coveted roles in Hollywood. For him, life can't get much better than it is right now, but the funny thing is that it will.
Okay, so now, with regards to the rest of the cast, we have a new addition!
Joel McHale is now attached to play Anna's boss, Roger. For those of you who read the book, your first thought is probably, He's too cute to play Roger. But don't let my physical description of Roger override the essence of the character. Bottom line—Roger's smarmy. And Joel McHale can play that. He rules.
Anyway, I'll let you know as they cast other key roles. Other than that, filming starts next week!
Oh, and PS: They have another open casting call for extras for non-union people tomorrow. Click here for details.
Reader Comments (14)
That sounds awesome! So excited for you!!
Love Joel McHale (love Andy Samberg more, so let me know if it doesn't work out between you two). This is exciting though!
I love Anna Faris. I loved her on Friends when she has Monica and Chandler's baby and tells Chandler "I think its time to kick you in the balls now" She's a funny lady.
I'm so excited for you!
How was the script? Did you like it? Did it follow the novel well? Love the cast I think they fit the characters. That's what I liked about Colin in the book, he was so charming and down to earth so it sounds like Chris fits that role perfectly. Anna was a great choice for Del .Look forward to hearing your thoughts throughout filming.
I can't wait to see it! The book was amazing...and you need to write another one soon!
This is awesome! Thanks for the update!
And don't forget: my sister and I want to sit with your parents at the Chicago premiere! :)
This is so exciting - like seeing your baby standing up and taking steps? Or was that when the book was published? It's just so cool to hear about something that started in your head, became a real book you can hold in your hands, and now is being literally fleshed out by real people playing the people you created. It's fabulous! I'm so happy for you!
Karyn, this is so exciting!! thanks for the play by play here. it is like we are experiencing this with you. :) I hardly ever go to the movies but this one is definitely a must-see to support you, and also because it sounds like it is going to be really really good! I loved anna in the house bunny. so happy for you!
Congratulations! So amazing, I can't wait to see it!
And can I just tell you how much I love Joel McHale? He had his shirt off on last night's Community -- yummy.
I LOVE Joel McHale - did you get to meet him????
I have friends who have been trying to get screenplays in the works for years - it's so great that you have been able to achieve what you have. I remember the days of Save Karyn (we are the same age and I was in a very similar situation around the same time) and wow - how far things have come for you. You should be so incredibly proud.
How exciting! Joel McHale rocks!
This is making me so incredibly happy for you. It seems like just yesterday when you told me about all of this and now it's happening!
I'm so excited for you!!!!
I even want to go to your big movie premiere to support you! Or maybe I should start a "What's your #?" movement and promote it in New Orleans for you! :)
I am just SO SO SO HAPPY for you!!!! :)
I am so excited for you! I love Joel!
Just wanted to say congrats for finding a new leading man, at least according to the Hollywood Reporter. This movie wasn't on my radar at first (because other news kept bumping it off in my blog) but I have to say that now that I know more about it and most importantly, more about you, I'm not only putting the movie on my "To Watch" list, I'm putting your book on my Amazon.com wishlist so that when I eventually review the movie, I'll be able to compare it to the source material.
Thanks for being so open as an author and thanks for letting us have these little inside peeks into movie production!