Glen Powell and Judd Apatow are gearing up to harmonize their talents in a fresh comedy film that dives deep into the vibrant world of country music. Universal Pictures has expeditiously greenlit an original, as-yet-untitled feature starring Powell, with Apatow at the helm as director. Together, the duo is crafting the screenplay, weaving a tale of a country western superstar spiraling into a free fall of fame and fortune.
Apatow will produce under his Apatow Productions banner, courtesy of a long-standing overall deal with the studio. Powell, alongside Dan Cohen, will produce through Barnstorm, leveraging their first-look deal with Universal inked earlier this year. Additionally, former Universal production president Kevin Misher joins in as a producer under his Misher Films shingle. Erik Baiers, Universal’s senior executive vice president of production development, is overseeing the project for the studio.
Currently, Apatow is immersed in the production of a two-part HBO Documentary Films endeavor about Mel Brooks, which he is producing and co-directing alongside Michael Bonfiglio. His directorial resume for feature films boasts credits such as Netflix's 'The Bubble' (2022), as well as Universal hits like 'The King of Staten Island,' 'Knocked Up,' and 'The 40-Year-Old Virgin.'
Last year, Powell shone brightly in Universal’s blockbuster 'Twisters' and in Richard Linklater’s Netflix film 'Hit Man,' which he also produced and co-wrote. More recently, he wrapped up production on the revenge thriller 'Huntington' for A24 and Studio Canal, and stars in Edgar Wright’s remake of 'The Running Man' for Paramount, set to grace theaters this fall. Additionally, Powell leads the upcoming Hulu series 'Chad Powers.'
According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter last month, Universal secured a pitch for the sci-fi feature 'The Natural Order,' with Oscar-winner Barry Jenkins in negotiations to direct Powell in the lead role.
Apatow is represented by WME, Mosaic, ID, and Ziffren Brittenham, while Powell is repped by CAA and Johnson Shapiro, setting the stage for an exciting cinematic collaboration that promises to charm and entertain audiences with its unique blend of humor and country music magic.
