We at the at the Playlist are big fans of “Freaks & Geeks,” the little one-hour sitcom produced by Judd Apatow in the late ’90s that paved the way for him to be the big cheese that he is today.
And we still have a lot of fondness for the actors on the show, many of whom now are starring players in the Apatow Family players troupe – except for one glowing omission: little Sam Weir (John Francis Daleypan>), essentially the star of “Freaks & Geeks” (arguable, but whatever).
But he’s never (to our recollection) turned up in an Apatow film project (at least certainly not a major role), so we assumed – like many kid actors who grow up – he was off in some k-hole, pants around ankles with no clue what his current home address is.
But no, he’s alive! Patrick Read Johnson‘s autobiographical indie film “77,” chronicles the director’s journeys in Hollywood with a young George Lucas and Steven Spielberg and guess who stars? Little John Francis Daley!
The film, originally named “5/25/77” after the release date of “Star Wars,” is a nostalgic take on the director’s encounters with Industrial Light and Magic execs. “Freaks and Geeks” lead John Francis Daley stars.
The film is evidently kinda meta.”It’s an ‘American Graffiti’-style film about the people who made ‘American Graffiti.” Wait, who will play Lucas?? Who will play Spielberg?? (since it’s autobiog, we can assume, Daley plays Johnson) Dude, we’re just happy Sam Weir isn’t sucking dick for change. [Hollywood Reporter]
PS, we saw the trailer for this thing and it sadly looks dreadful and budget. Poor Sam.