Mark Wahlberg is loading up his schedule with almost every movie currently in development in Hollywood, sometimes even calling up studios to ask if he can make another movie of his choosing. Wahlberg will be seen next in the comedy "Ted," followed by the drama "Broken City" opposite Russell Crowe and is already shooting the dark comedy curiosity "Pain and Gain" for director Michael Bay opposite Dwayne Johnson. After that, Wahlberg will shoot "2 Guns" with Denzel Washington. As if that isn't enough, Wahlberg will also play Navy SEALs with Taylor Kitsch and Ben Forster for director Peter Berg's adaptation of "Lone Survivor" and has added two more projects to his schedule this month: the football comedy "3 Mississippi" opposite Will Ferrell and an adaptation of John Grisham's thriller "The Partner." For good measure, Wahlberg is also adding "The Avon Man."
Back in 2010, "The Avon Man" was a lock for Hugh Jackman and director Kevin Lima ("Enchanted") until Jackman had to drop out so he could make a shooting schedule for "The Wolverine" that was ultimately delayed. Now that Wahlberg has stepped in to produce and topline, the project is making a few changes. With Lima already out, the original script by Kevin Bisch ("Soul Plane") is also history, with Michael McCullers ("Baby Mama") stepping in to write a new draft. Basically, the routine regime-change overhaul.
We're assuming the basic story will still be intact for "Avon Man," as it follows a group of guys who lose their jobs at a car dealership, with Wahlberg reluctantly deciding to become an Avon salesman. We imagine much fish-out-of-water tomfoolery ensues, but Wahlberg eventually becomes the top seller and recruits his buddies to sell along with him. While the story doesn't sound exactly groundbreaking, it'll be up to McCullers and whoever ends up directing the movie to at least make it entertaining. As Walhberg is routinely adding comedies to his slate alongside dramas and action movies, expect a respectable supporting cast to join. [Deadline]