Interesting. A project we nixed from our Most Anticipated 2010 list at the last minute because it seemed to be going nowhere: “I’m With Cancer” (aka actually technically still Untitled, but hey, we need to refer to it as something) seems to have found new life force.
Nicole Holofcener (“Friends With Money,” “Lovely & Amazing”) was set to direct the cancer-dramedy based on the personal experiences of screenwriter Will Reiser. Seth Rogen was co-starring and producing through his deal with Mandate (that also has his “Jay and Seth Vs. The Apocalypse” project) and James McAvoy was on board for the lead role. However, in early November of 2009 Holofcener bailed over creative differences in. So, project stalled?
Not now. THR is reporting that Jonathan Levine, director of “The Wackness” (and the never to be released lame-duck horror, “All The Boys Love Mandy Lane”), has now taken over helming duties. Also added to the cast is soaring-career-wise actress Anna Kendrick who is sure to get an Oscar nomination for her toe-to-toe performance next to George Clooney in Jason Reitman’s “Up In The Air.”
‘Cancer’ (or ‘Untitled’ if you like better) stars McAvoy, basically playing Reiser, who struggled with the disease at the age of 25. Rogen’s role is unknown, but he’s likely a buddy character. THR says Kendrick will play, “a young psychologist assigned to handle Adam’s case despite her lack of real life experience.”
Shooting is happening fast. Principal photography will start February in Vancouver so it is possible we may see this one in 2010.
We just saw McAvoy in “The Last Station” last night, which comes out January 15. He’s really great in everything he does (hello, ‘Hobbit’ producers), so we’re looking forward to this one, even if we didn’t wholeheartedly love “The Wackness” (it’s fine, just not anything to do backflips over as some in the emo-geek community did).