Does the idea of Paul Giamatti playing Nikita Khrushchev sound vaguely familiar? Then you might have a very good memory. First announced way back in 2010, this Cold War drama has been brewing over at HBO and now it looks like it's finally building some steam.
THR reports that "The Campaign" director Jay Roach will take on the film, "K Blows Top," with Giamatti in the lead role. Based on the book by Peter Carlson, the comedy will focus on Khrushchev's somewhat surreal 1959 visit to America, right at the height of Cold War tensions between the two nations. Paul Bernbaum ("Next," "Hollywoodland") wrote the script, and Roach is a pretty slam dunk fit. While the helmer is probably best known for his "Meet the Parents" flicks and the 'Austin Powers' movies, he's carved out a career as a political filmmaker as well, getting behind this spring's "Game Change" about the McCain/Palin ticket of 2008 as well as "Recount" about the near disastrous 2000 election fiasco.
Among the talent in the executives offices: Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman will executive produce the project with KippSter Entertainment's Perri Kipperman and David Stern co-executive producing. No word yet on when this will lens, but with a director now on board, it's getting closer. Giamatti as Khurshchev? It's inspired casting to say the least.