The term “dramedy” gets thrown around fairly loosely these days but one film we’re expecting to really push the boundaries of the genre union is the upcoming story of a man’s fight against cancer, masterminded by dynamic comedy duo of Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg.
Based on the true story of Rogen and Goldberg’s real-life friend, Will Reiser, the film suffered a few setbacks early on with the departures of director Nicole Holofcener and lead actor James McAvoy but has still managed to right itself with the introduction of “The Wackness” helmer Jonathan Levine and a cast boasting Joseph Gordon-Levitt (who stars as Reiser), Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard, Angelica Huston and Philip Baker Hall, as well as Rogen himself.
The script by Reiser featured highly on the Black List a few years back where it went by the great title of “I’m With Cancer” but, with the powers that be floating around, the titled was later changed to “Live With It” before reverting to “Untitled Cancer Comedy” and settling on the fairly bland “50/50” — referencing what doctors advised were Reiser’s chances of survival. A trailer was unveiled a few weeks ago and wasn’t exactly a slam dunk, but how are you supposed to market a comedy about cancer to everyone? This new poster, meanwhile, doesn’t bode well for the marketing department’s budget either with the JGL shaving look already seen in the trailer and a still already unveiled.
With the talent attached to the project, though, we’ll remain optimistic. “50/50” will hit theaters on September 30th but is widely expected to drop by the Toronto International Film Festival beforehand. [/Film]