Sam Rockwell is no stranger to dark comedy, thanks to his work with Martin McDonaugh. But he’ll get a new screen partner in his next one, as Deadline reports Rockwell will star opposite Kumail Nanjiani in “A Guy Walks Into A Bar,” which just wrangled an Interim Agreement from SAG-AFTRA to start shooting before the year closes.
Gary Fleder will direct a script by “Venom” scribe Scott Rosenberg about Nanjiani’s new father who befriends Rockwell’s charismatic man at a bar, but soon grows suspicious that his new friend might have a troubling secret. It’s Fleder’s first feature since 2013’s “Homefront,” but it’s also a reunion between him and Rosenberg, who first worked together on their debut film “Things To Do In Denver When You’re Dead.” As dark comedies go, Fleder and Rosenberg’s debut is pretty good, so expect a smiilar vibe with “A Guy Walks Into A Bar.”
Fleder, Rosenberg, and Rockwell will co-produce the picture with Mark Fasano through Nickel City Pictures. Nadine de Barros also produces through Fortitude International, as does Jina Panebianco through Caliwood Pictures. Nanjiani serves as executive producer alongside Erica Steinberg with Nickel City’s Matthew Goldberg, Caliwood’s R. Wesley Sierk III and John D. Stradley, and Fortitude’s Joseph Panebianco.
What’s out next for Rockwell and Nanjiani as “A Guy Walks Into A Bar” readies for production? Rockwell stars in Matthew Vaughn‘s spy comedy “Argylle” for Apple, which hits theaters from Universal on February 2, 2024. As for Nanjiani, he has the new “Ghostbusters” sequel on the way, as well as “Thread: An Insidious Tale,” a horror movie with Mandy Moore that’s part of the “Insidious” franchise.
“A Guy Walks Into A Bar” sounds like a promising title in the wheelhouse of all involved. But will it connect with audiences? Based on the production schedule, expect this one to hit theaters in Fall 2024.