One of the funniest big studio comedies to hit theaters in recent years would have to be 2010’s The Other Guys, which found Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell playing two mismatched NYPD detectives who step up to the big leagues when they get on the trail of a shady capitalist. The stellar chemistry between the two actors was a big part of why that movie worked so well. Now, we’re hearing that Paramount wants them to team up again for a comedy called Daddy’s Home.
Etan Cohen was originally attached to direct a version of the film last year, with Vince Vaughn and Ferrell set for the lead roles, but that project ended up falling apart. Now, Paramount wants Wahlberg, who just did Transformers: Age of Extinction for the studio, to step in for Vaughn. Cohen, meanwhile, has walked away from the director’s chair.
We’re hearing that Daddy’s Home is a priority for Paramount and that they want Horrible Bosses 2 helmer Sean Anders to direct alongside scribe John Morris. It’s assumed that Anders and Morris would work on the script as well if they come aboard.
Brian Burns, Adam McKay, Chris Henchy and Cohen originally wrote the first draft for Daddy’s Home, which finds Ferrell playing a “mild-mannered radio executive who strives to become the best stepdad ever to his wife’s two children. Complications ensue when their freewheeling, freeloading real father (Wahlberg) arrives, forcing stepdad to compete for the affection of the kids.”
So far, things are looking good for this one. Wahlberg and Ferrell proved that they had tremendous chemistry on The Other Guys when their characters were working side by side, but seeing them playing enemies could be even more hilarious. Not only that, but some of the other talent involved here is pretty impressive, too.
Anders and Morris previously scripted last summer’s breakout hit We’re the Millers, Burns wrote episodes of Blue Bloods, McKay has written and directed a number of successful comedies including Step Brothers and Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Henchy worked with McKay on The Other Guys and wrote The Campaign, and Cohen was the scribe behind Tropic Thunder.
With all of that comedic talent involved, I can easily see Daddy’s Home replicating the success of Ferrell and Wahlberg’s last outing together.
