Rashida Jones‘ rise in the comedy world after debuting on “The Office” a few years ago is definitely commendable. The daughter of music legend Quincy Jones (we’re sure she loves hearing that) is a regular on NBC‘s “Parks And Recreation,” has already starred in “I Love You, Man” and will soon be seen in “My Idiot Brother,” “The Big Year” and “The Muppets.” Jones starred recently in Dana Adam Shapiro‘s Brooklyn-based relationship drama “Monogamy” and will soon make her writing debut with “Celeste And Jesse Forever” which will see her star along side Andy Samberg.
The project — which was only recently revived after dying on the vine with Overture Films — is now kicking into gear with a trio of thespians, including Emma Roberts, Ari Graynor and Jones’ ‘Monogamy’ co-star Chris Messina, added to its cast. The story follows a young divorcing couple who try to maintain a friendship while living together and pursuing other romantic interests. Emotional chaos is sure to ensue.
Rising star Roberts will play a starlet who requires the assistance of Jones’ character to revamp her image and and Graynor will play one of Jones’ BFFs, while Messina will take on what sounds like a romantic interest for Jones (described as a “financial analyst who helps Celeste get over Jesse”). The film originally had Seth Gordon (“King Of Kong“) on board to helm but, after the Overture drama, hired Lee Toland Kriger, who directed Jones’ ‘Parks’ castmate Adam Scott in Playlist festival favorite “The Vicious Kind.”
Jones has been pushing the project for quite a while now with writing partner Will McCormack so it’s good to see it’s finally growing some legs. Jennifer and Suzanne Todd are producing along with Envision Media Arts’ Lee Nelson. [Variety]