Sometimes – even in Hollywood – fact is funnier than fiction. Thankfully, in the hands of talented filmmakers, such realities give rise to projects like Loomis Fargo (though the name may change) – which then attract incredible casts. With Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite) at the helm, this Relativity Media production boasts a script by Emily Spivey, Danny McBride, Jody Hill, Hubbel Palmer and Chris Bowman, and is based on a very real heist story.
The tale centres on a reserved man named David, who ekes out his existence driving an armoured truck full of cash every day. He engages in flirtatious banter with the object of his affection – colleague Kelly – and bides his time. Life is quiet and uneventful, until Kelly lures him into a heist scheme that would bag them $20 million. Doing the job, he finds the group hanging him out to dry – so David is soon on the run, and out for revenge.
With Zach Galifianakis in the lead role as David, and Kristen Wiig cast as his flirtatious colleague Kelly, the cast is rounded out by Owen Wilson, Kate McKinnon (SNL), and newcomer Tyler Craig. Jason Sudeikis is lined up to join the project as a hitman. The Saturday Night Live-heavy movie will be produced by Lorne Michaels and John Goldwyn.
This is already an exciting project – bringing together some powerhouse comedy performers with experienced writers and a talented director. But the addition of Jason Sudeikis elevates the entire thing to another level. Having consistently been one of the most popular SNL performers of the last ten years, he has made a flawless transition to a film career that is varied and interesting. Avoiding the Adam Sandler cookie-cutter movie-vehicle trap, Sudeikis has consistently mixed things up with appearances in TV shows such as 30 Rock, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia and Portlandia, as well as tackling a combination of supporting roles (Hall Pass, The Campaign, Drinking Buddies) with leading roles (Horrible Bosses, We’re The Millers). That approach is significant because it shows that quality of material trumps position in the cast list when it comes to Sudeikis’ decision-making process.
The currently named Loomis Fargo has a US release date of August 14th, 2015, so we can expect it to roll into production shortly.
