Prolific comedy writer, producer and director Judd Apatow is about to heml his fifth film. Titled Train Wreck, it will star stand-up comic and Comedy Central darling Amy Schumer, who also wrote the script, which The Hollywood Reporter cites is about “a basket case who tries to rebuild her life.” Casting for the film is now underway, just as Apatow oversees the final touches on Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues.
Although his last directorial efforts, Funny People and This is 40, got a chilly audience reception and saw modest box office success, Apatow is still one of the most trustworthy names in comedy cinema. The good news is that he has been a helping hand to many funny females. Cases in point: Lena Dunham’s buzzy HBO comedy/drama Girls (that Apatow produces) and helping three very funny women – writers Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, and actress Melissa McCarthy – land Oscar nominations for Bridesmaids.
Amy Schumer is one of the most acid-tongued comediennes around, and her sketch comedy series Inside Amy Schumer is starting its second season in March. She is a familiar face in the world of stand-up, with her appearances at Comedy Central Roasts and placing fourth in a season of Last Comic Standing.
This will be Apatow’s first film as a director that will focus on a female protagonist and also the first not to have him on board as the film’s screenwriter. Currently, he is looking to cast a boyfriend, best friend and parent characters. With all of the strong ensembles that have been attached to his vehicles in the past, casting news on this project should come sooner rather than later.
Train Wreck does not have a scheduled release date just yet, although production may have to wait for Inside Amy Schumer to finish wrapping its second season.
