We don’t often think of actor Michael Shannon for his comedic performances, but an upcoming film from Saban Films and Paramount Pictures is allowing him to flex those tools after being mostly known for playing villainous or intense characters. The new film “A Little White Lie” sees Shannon play a new New York handyman mistaken for a famous writer who has been avoiding public appearances for 20 years and is expected to help boost a literary festival. In projects like “Knives Out,” “The Night Before,” and “Bad Boys II,” Shannon has allowed himself to be funny in small spurts, so seeing him really get to play within the genre as the lead should be an interesting exercise for the veteran actor.
The studio has released a first-look trailer (see below) and certainly has the makings of a fun time. Michael Maren directed “A Little White Lie” and adapted the film’s script from the Chris Belden novel. It boasts an interesting mix of actors in the cast, including Kate Hudson, Zach Braff, Kate Linder, Aja Naomi King, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, M. Emmet Walsh, Jimmi Simpson, and Don Johnson.
Below is the film’s official logline that was provided by Saban/Paramount:
“Shriver (Michael Shannon), a down-on-his-luck handyman who has never read a book in his life, is mistaken for a famous writer that has been in hiding for over 20 years. With nothing to lose, he accepts an invitation to attend a college literary festival and finds himself surrounded by adoring fans and an English professor (Kate Hudson) who captures his heart. Shriver must do whatever it takes for his shot at love in this fish-out-of-water comedy.”
We won’t have to wait that long to get our hands on “A Little White Lie” as it will be in released theaters, on digital, and on-demand come March 3. Giving audiences plenty of options to view it. Perhaps, we’re seeing the beginning of Shannon leading a string of comedies, and this is just the start of that phase of his career.