When it was announced just a couple of weeks ago that Dreamworks was planning an American remake of Starbuck, the highest grossing comedy in Canada last year, I speculated they might seek out folks like Steve Carell, Seth Rogen, or Will Ferrell to play the lovable David Wozniak in the film. Well they've made their decision much faster than I would have expected, and while it's none of the people I mentioned, their choice couldn't be more perfect.
Vince Vaughn is set to star in the film, taking the lead role that was so perfectly portrayed by Patrick Huard. The story centers on Wozniak, a well-meaning but irresponsible middle aged man who donated sperm to a facility hundreds of times in his youth. Now twenty years later, he discovers that the facility used his stuff a bit too often, and that he's fathered over 500 children, with about a quarter of them seeking to learn his identity. Ken Scott, who wrote and directed the film, is also tackling the American version, so the continuity is there for this to be just as good.
Starbuck was one of my favorite movies at FilmFest DC(review here), and the concept is perfect for a Judd Apatow style comedy. Lots of stuff about growing up, dealing with middle age, and a spattering of bodily fluid humor to boot. But it's all very sweet and insightful in its own way, and Vaughn should make for a natural fit. The scene stealing role really belonged to David's lawyer buddy, so I'm curious to see who gets that part. Jeff Garlin would be the ideal choice, but expect a bigger name than that. [Variety]
