When he first appeared on the Hollywood scene in such television shows as "Silver Spoons" and "Little House on the Prairie," Jason Bateman quickly became known as a teen idol. It was hardly any surprise, considering that his father is Kent Bateman, a film producer and director who actually produced "Teen Wolf Too," a film in which his son had a starring role in 1987.
Although Bateman's early stint in television acting certainly helped launch his acting career, he has become most famous for his films. This year has certainly been a busy one for the actor. His most recent project to hit the big screen is "Identity Thief," a film that also stars Melissa McCarthy. The comedic chemistry that was clearly present between the two quickly had audiences rolling with laughter when the film's trailers were first released.
Bateman also has a number of other film projects in the pipeline for the rest of the year. One of those films is "This is Where I Leave You." The film is an adaptation of a novel by Jonathan Tropper. The film had previously reached the casting stage, and plans were underway for Adam Shankman to direct the film and Zac Efron, Goldie Hawn, Leslie Mann, Jason Sudeikis, and Malin Akerman to appear in the film. Unfortunately, deals were never actually completed and Shankman actually left the project. The film was then left hanging in limbo until Shawn Levy joined the project as director this past November. Shankman will also now be producing the project. The film is once again reaching the casting point, and an entirely new set of actresses are being considered to join the cast, including Isla Fisher, Ari Graynor, Kathryn Hahn, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Zoe Saldana. Amy Adams is also said to be under consideration for a role in the film.
The film is based on the story of a man who is tasked with providing one last task following the death of his father. As it turns out, the task seems to be almost impossible-to spend a full week under the same roof with his dysfunctional family. Bateman has been cast in the lead role. One of the actresses being considered for the film are said to be reading for the part of a love interest-Penny. Hahn is being considered for the role of Bateman's adulterous wife.
This will not be Bateman's only upcoming project in the next few months. He has also recently sold a pitch for a comedy film project, "Game Night." The film is scheduled to be produced with Jim Garavente, Bateman's partner in Aggregate Films. The ensemble comedy will be rounded out by couples who find their regular game night turned into a murder mystery gone wrong.
Bateman also recently completed work on "Bad Words." This film will mark Bateman's directorial debut. Bateman apparently believes in the importance of keeping busy, as he was also responsible for producing the film. "Bad Words" centers on a spelling bee, with a side of revenge to keep things interesting.
Along with the film projects he has already completed, Bateman will also appear in two indie projects. In "The Longest Week," Bateman's character will spend a week in a luxury Manhattan hotel owned by his parents. As plush as it might sound, the entire situation does nothing but create chaos in his life. Also starring in the film is Olivia Wilde. The screenplay was written by Peter Glanz, who also directed the project.
The film was shot back to back with Bateman's other recent indie project, "Disconnect," which is due to be released in theaters on Apr. 19, 2013. Also starring in the film are Paula Patton, Michael Nygvist, Hope Davis, Colin Ford, Max Thieriot, and Haley Ramm.
Plans for an "Arrested Development" movie have certainly not been put on the shelf and were left to collect dust either. Bateman has recently confirmed that plans for the popular show to hit the big screen are very much still underway, although no specifics have yet been given.
Whether or not Bateman plans to continue his break-neck speed of 2013 into the next year remains to be seen, but what is apparent is that this workaholic former child star certainly has the chops to pull it off if he chooses to do so. With a career that has already spanned acting, producing, and directing, Bateman almost has it all, and the only question that really remains is whether he will try his hand at writing at some point. Given the success of his former projects, there is little doubt to the success of any screenplay he may pen in the future.
Comments