James McAvoy Says 'I'm With Cancer' Joining the Seth Rogen comedy Source: Variety
James McAvoy has agreed to star in a film that will likely be called I’m With Cancer, the Seth Rogen-produced comedy based on the true-life experiences of a Hollywood screenwriter who successfully battled the disease.
Will Reiser contracted cancer when he was 25, and fought the evil bastard over the next few years. He turned his experiences into a best-selling book, and has now written the screenplay for a comedy that dares to laugh in the face of one of the great taboo subjects. And more power to him, we say.
This project had actually been announced a while ago, but all had seemed to go quiet on the Western front. McAvoy’s casting as a character based on, but not specificially called, Will Reiser – his first commitment to a major project since last year’s Wanted, and the upcoming sequel – confirms that it’s very much a go, with cameras set to roll next January.
Rogen, who will also co-star, will produce with his writing partner, Evan Goldberg, inbetween punching and kicking things as The Green Hornet. Nicole Holofcener, director of Friends With Money and Lovely & Amazing, will direct. Mandate Pictures will sign the cheques.
Thoughts, readers? Is cancer an insidious illness that should only be discussed in whispered, solemn tones? Or is it time to laugh our asses off at it?
Great idea, although it does sound very similar to Funny People...handled the right way - and with McAvoy in the lead - this could be a real winner.
I can't wait to see what McAvoy does next, and think it's a really interesting group of people to be working together...bring on the comedy!! :D ... Read More
No subject should be, or indeed is taboo in comedy. I like Seth Rogen. I have recently received treatment for cancer and personally I would go and see the movie for a laugh, you have got to look on the sunny side of life. Many people don't know how to react to a person with cancer so having a good chuckle about it might help. No sure my missus or kids would want to see i though!. ... Read More
It's a disease which affects so many people nowadays so why not make a comedy film about it. Cancer is something that pretty much everyone can relate to in one way or another, it's high time there was a funny film and not a tear jerker made about it! Plus with people like seth rogan and evan goldberg involved it's bound to be done in a tactful yet hilarious way. ... Read More
Anything which helps elevate the subject from a social taboo and helps to lift the people with whom the illness has struck from feeling segregated from the rest of society can only be a good thing!!
Will this do it? Probably no but here's hoping this may help to start a shift (not downwards tho)
(if it goes down the Derek & Clive route that would be interesting if a little....)
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Just as long as it´s approached and tackled the right way (pregnancy in Knocked Up, juvenile machism in Superbad, anti-semitism in Borat, EVERYTHING in South Park... all of these are good examples) ... Read More
