Stay in the loop on industry and casting news with our write-up on who’s been slated for recent film and television roles.
Please note that shoot dates are subject to state and county restrictions and may change. Refer to Call Sheet for updates, and keep checking Backstage for the latest news on project development during this time.
“Night Swim”
Blumhouse Productions is set to debut its latest horror feature. Based on Bryce McGuire and Rod Blackhurst’s 2014 short film of the same name, “Night Swim” centers on a woman whose nightly dip in her backyard pool takes a nightmarish turn. McGuire will write and direct the supernatural thriller, marking his feature debut. Terri Taylor is casting the film, which has already brought on Wyatt Russell (“The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” “Everybody Wants Some!!”) and recent Oscar nominee Kerry Condon (“The Banshees of Inisherin,” “Better Call Saul”) to star. Blumhouse is co-producing with Atomic Monster, two companies who in are in talks to merge after their recent collaboration on Gerard Johnstone’s “M3GAN.” Filming on “Night Swim” is slated to start in early March in the U.S., with an anticipated January 2024 release date.
“Ricky Stanicky”
For three dudes who are always looking to worm their way out of trouble, there’s no better friend than one who doesn’t exist. “Ricky Stanicky” is a comedy about a trio of men who have spent decades dodging tricky situations by using the titular fictional buddy as an alibi. But the charade threatens to crumble when their wives ask to meet their elusive friend. Backed into a corner, the guys hire an actor to play the part; but they soon find “Ricky” becoming a bigger part of their lives than they bargained for. The film marks a return to broad comedy for writer-director Peter Farrelly, who made a name for himself with movies like “Dumb and Dumber” and “There’s Something About Mary” before winning a pair of Oscars for 2018’s “Green Book.” CD Rick Montgomery has attached Zac Efron and John Cena to star, though no additional actors have been announced. Cameras are set to start rolling in Melbourne this February.
“How to Be a Bookie”
Sitcom stalwart Chuck Lorre has placed his next bet on HBO Max. Warner Bros. has given a straight-to-series order to the “Big Bang Theory” creator’s “How to Be a Bookie,” which he’s co–writing and executive producing with frequent collaborator Nick Bakay (“Young Sheldon”). The comedy follows a longtime Los Angeles bookie whose career hangs in the balance due to the impending legalization of sports gambling; he’s also dealing with out-of-control clients, problems at home, and a frantic lifestyle that sees him bouncing all over the city. Sebastian Maniscalco (“Green Book,” “The Irishman”) is currently the only name attached to the project, as additional casting continues with Valko/Miller. The series will start production in L.A. this March.
This story originally appeared in the Jan. 26 issue of Backstage Magazine.