After three straight films all ostensibly working from the same formula — “The Hangover” and “Due Date” films are all ostensibly cut from the same comedic cloth of fish-out-of-water/comedic journey pics — it seems like director Todd Phillips is looking for a slight change of pace and direction. So how about a stoner pic about weapons sales? We’re listening….
The director’s production shingle Green Hat Films has optioned the movie rights to Guy Lawson‘s March 31 issue Rolling Stone article, “Arms And The Dudes.” The incredible story (read it right here) David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli — 25 and 21 years old respectively — who scored a $300 million Pentagon contract to arm allies in Afghanistan, taking them on a journey through the absurd and political world of international arms trafficking that would up with the duo being busted for fraud. What makes Lawson’s piece so compelling is that he has interviews with both Packouz and Diveroli who take us through their almost absurd job as coke-snorting, Audi-driving merchants of death.
The appeal for Phillips here is plainly obvious, and while he hasn’t quite signed on the line yet to direct (he’s probably got the inevitable “The Hangover Part III” to worry about at the moment) the project is being developed as possible vehicle for him. No word yet on who will adapt, but new scenery for Phillips’ bawdy humor a comedic trip into paperwork of war could would certainly be refreshing and fascinating. [Variety]
