Could this be the making of a new Hollywood star? T.J. Miller, whose breakthrough role came in Matt Reeves’ 2008 monster movie “Cloverfield,” might finally be ready to tackle a lead role. The stand-up comic-turned-actor is currently in negotiations to star in the comedy, which will also be the feature directing debut of “The Hangover: Part II” co-writer Scot Armstrong.
Columbia Pictures will be releasing the film written by Andrew Waller and Mike Gagerman. Armstrong will produce along with Neal Moritz and Ravi Nandan. Here’s the good news: Miller, who has done a decent job in films like “Extract” and “She’s Out of My League” — and came to our attention thanks to his great performance in the short film “Successful Alcoholics” — doesn’t seem to be going outside his comfort zone with his first starring role. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Miller will play a “fast-talking and slobby guy in his 20s who lives to gamble, drink and hook-up. He jumps into action when he hears [his friend] Nardo is in a major bind and recruits his more upwardly mobile roommate for the rescue mission.” The part of the roommate has not yet been cast.
Also good news is first-time director Armstrong, whose has written comedies like “Road Trip” and “Old School.” Though his work overall has been good, he’s been involved in a fair share of junk (“School for Scoundrels,” “The Heartbreak Kid”) which might have taught him how NOT to make a movie. We’ll just have to wait and see if his multiple collaborations with director Todd Phillips have taught him anything.
Miller can be seen later this year in “Our Idiot Brother” with Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel and Emily Mortimer. Further out, Miller will also lend his voice to “How to Train Your Dragon 2,” reprising his role as Tuffnut. —Matthew Newlin
