This Is How Hollywood Will Capitalize on the Success of BBM

[PalJoey]

Posted: 2/9/06 at 3:37pm

Adam Sandler, Kevin James head to altar in pretend-gay comedy

By Borys Kit Thu Feb 9, 3:27 AM ET

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Adam Sandler and
Kevin James are in negotiations to play firefighters who pretend to be a gay couple in an upcoming film comedy "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry,"

"Wedding Crashers" director David Dobkin is attached to take the helm of the long-gestating project at Universal Pictures.

The firefighters in "Chuck and Larry" pose as a married gay couple in order to receive domestic partner benefits.
Alexander Payne and James Taylor, the Oscar-winning team behind "Sideways" and "About Schmidt," have written the current draft of the screenplay based on a treatment by Lew Gallo.

The coming together of Sandler and James finally puts the project, which has been at the studio since the late 1990s, on the runway.

A parade of writers has hammered out drafts over the years, and various combinations of actors, such as Will Smith and
Nicolas Cage, Smith and James Gandolfini and Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson have flirted with the movie.

Sandler is set to start production on the Mike Binder-directed drama "Reign O'er Me" in the spring and will next be seen star in the comedy "Click," which is due to open June 30.

James is best known for starring in CBS's long-running comedy "The King of Queens." His most recent big-screen appearance was with Will Smith in 2005's "Hitch," where he was cited for scene stealing. He also is doing voice work in "Monster House" and "Barnyard."
Sandler, James head to altar in pretend-gay comedy

[lildogs]

Posted: 2/9/06 at 3:45pm

I think laughter is a great tool to teach acceptance. If we (and by "we" I mean "they")can laugh at these two guys, it takes some of the venom out of the debate.

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 2/9/06 at 3:49pm

I think "they" will use this situation for "I told you so" about why the entire institution of Gay Marriage is evil.

-cynicalpenguin

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 2/9/06 at 3:51pm

What ever happened to the film version of THE DREYFUS AFFAIR?

[lildogs]

Posted: 2/9/06 at 3:51pm

Not with Payne and Taylor at the helm--they're intelligent, funny, and well-regarded filmmakers. And besides, if it changes just ONE mind, it's worth it.

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 2/9/06 at 3:58pm

Payne and Taylor are two whose work I respect. Sandler and Dobkin I do not respect in the slightest.