Will Ferrell will star in the comedy Tom’s Dad, to be directed by Oscar-nominated director Lasse Hallström (The Cider House Rules, The Hundred-Foot Journey), it was announced today by producers Joni Levin and Keith Clarke (The Way Back, upcoming Ben Hur) of Point Blank Productions, Christi Dembrowski and Johnny Depp of Infinitum Nihil (Hugo) and Arsenal’s John Ptak (Let Me In, The Way Back). The film previously had Patrick Dempsey attached to star.
Fortitude International, co-founded by Nadine de Barros, Robert Ogden Barnum and Daniel Wagner, is handling foreign sales on the project and is presenting it to buyers at the Cannes Film Market. De Barros is supported by her sales team including Katie Irwin, VP of International and Samantha Peel, Director of International Sales and Marketing.
Peter D. Graves (Terminator Salvation, W.) is executive producing, as well as providing marketing and distribution oversight. Emmy Award-winning production designer Thomas A. Walsh (ABC’s “Desperate Housewives,” A&E’s “Longmire”) will co-produce. UTA Independent Film Group is handling North American rights. Martin Casella (One Night Stand) wrote the original screenplay with revisions by Clarke.
Principal photography on the feature film is slated to begin early next year, with further casting underway.
Set in 1960s Nevada, Arthur (Ferrell) is a struggling nightclub performer hoping to make it big with his stage act involving circus animals. He is forced to reconnect with his estranged 12-year old son, Tom, when his ex-wife departs on a three week trip, leaving the pair to rekindle their father-son relationship.
“When great talent like Will Ferrell and Lasse Hallström connect so personally to great material, you have to believe the movie Gods are on your side,” said Levin.
“Will Ferrell is one of the most in demand actors working today who drives audiences to theatres given his likeable and charismatic persona. Combined with the sensibility and artistry of director Lasse Hallström, ‘Tom’s Dad’ promises to be both entertaining and delightfully heartfelt,” said de Barros.
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
