According to Variety, the Sony International Motion Picture Production Group has jumped on board Ricky Gervais’ next project “Men At The Pru.” Described as a “coming-of-age tale about a group of 20-something men at an insurance company in the 1970’s,” the project unites Gervais with his working partner from “The Office” and “Extras,” Stephen Merchant.
Word about ‘Pru’ has been around since early last year when it was reported that Gervais and Merchant had began researching and writing for the project based in Gervais’ hometown of Reading. Gervais plans for the film to catalyze a spin-off television show: “We’re thinking of doing a T.V. spin off. We’re doing it the M*A*S*H way round.”
Regarding the cast of the project, Gervais revealed that he has “roped in a couple of A-listers” but couldn’t disclose any further information. He will also co-star in the project as one of the protagonist’s father who is “a put-upon, beaten up loser at the bottom of the pile.” Hilarity is sure to ensue.
Preproduction on ‘Pru’ is set to start in the summer. Meanwhile, Gervais’ next film “This Side Of The Truth,” which he co-directs and stars along side Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner, Jonah Hill and Tina Fey, has been officially given a September 25th release date. You can check the announcement from Gervais himself below: