Why Him?
| Why Him? | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | John Hamburg |
| Screenplay by |
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| Story by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Kris Kachikis |
| Edited by | William Kerr |
| Music by | Theodore Shapiro |
Production companies | |
| Distributed by | 20th Century Fox |
Release date |
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Running time | 111 minutes[1] |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Why Him? is an upcoming American romantic comedy film directed by John Hamburg and co-written with Ian Helfer. The film stars James Franco, Bryan Cranston, Zoey Deutch, Megan Mullally, Griffin Gluck, and Keegan-Michael Key. The film will be released on December 23, 2016 by 20th Century Fox.
Plot
While visiting their eldest daughter Stephanie (Zoey Deutch), Ned Fleming (Bryan Cranston) and his wife Barb (Megan Mullally), along with their 15-year old son Scott (Griffin Gluck), are introduced to Stephanie's wealthy and famous boyfriend, Laird Mayhew (James Franco). Laird's vulgar, gregarious, and blunt personality is slightly overwhelming for Barb and Scott, but causes Ned to downright despise him. However, Stephanie insists that he's a nice person, and that he makes her happy. But when Laird reveals he plans to propose to Stephanie in only five days, the race to prove himself worthy of her love so Ned can give them his blessing begins. Laird goes out of his way to win over Barb and Scott, while Ned schemes to make sure Laird goes down in flames.
Cast
- James Franco as Laird Mayhew, Stephanie's boyfriend
- Bryan Cranston as Ned Fleming, Stephanie's father
- Zoey Deutch as Stephanie Fleming, Laird's girlfriend and Ned's daughter
- Megan Mullally as Barb Fleming, Ned's wife and Stephanie's mother
- Griffin Gluck as Scotty Fleming, Stephanie's 15-year old younger brother
- Keegan-Michael Key as Gustav
- Cedric the Entertainer
- Zack Pearlman
- Steve Aoki
- Casey Wilson
- Andrew Rannells
- Adam DeVine
Production
On November 18, 2014, it was revealed that John Hamburg was co-writing a comedy film Why Him? with Ian Helfer for 20th Century Fox.[2] On February 27, 2015, James Franco was in talks to join the film to play a young billionaire.[3] Shawn Levy's 21 Laps Entertainment and Ben Stiller's Red Hour Productions would be producing the film, about a Midwestern father who travels with his family to visit a daughter at college and finds himself in a battle with her new billionaire boyfriend.[3] On August 25, 2015, Bryan Cranston joined the film to play the father.[4] In August 2015, the film was selected by the California Film Commission to receive $5.4 million in tax credits.[5] On January 12, 2016, Griffin Gluck was added to the cast of the film to play Scotty Fleming, the son of Cranston's character.[6] On January 13, 2016, Megan Mullally joined the film to play Barb Fleming, the wife of Ned (played by Cranston).[7] On December 8, 2015, Zoey Deutch was cast in the film to play the female lead role as young billionaire's girlfriend.[8] On January 19, 2016, Keegan-Michael Key joined the film to play the billionaire's European-hailing estate manager,[9] and following him Zack Pearlman also signed on to star in the film.[10] Musician Steve Aoki also joined the film's cast, confirmed through his Twitter account.[11]
Principal photography on the film began in mid-February 2016 in Los Angeles.[12][13][11]
Release
Why Him? is scheduled to release on December 23, 2016, by 20th Century Fox -- a move from the originally planned November 11, 2016, release date.[14][15]
References
- ^ "AMC Theatres: Why Him?". AMC Theatres. Retrieved December 2, 2016.
- ^ Andreeva, Nellie (November 18, 2014). "John Hamburg Launches Production Company, Inks Overall Deal With 20th TV". Deadline.com. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
- ^ a b McNary, Dave (February 27, 2015). "James Franco in Talks for Comedy 'Why Him?' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
- ^ Hipes, Patrick (August 25, 2015). "Bryan Cranston To Star With James Franco In 'Why Him'". Deadline.com. Retrieved August 26, 2015.
- ^ McNary, Dave (August 18, 2015). "California Film Tax Credits Go to 'Conjuring 2,' 'Chicken Soup for the Soul'". variety.com. Retrieved September 7, 2015.
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (January 12, 2016). "Griffin Gluck Joins Bryan Cranston-James Franco Pic 'Why Him'". Deadline.com. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (January 13, 2016). "Megan Mullally Joins Bryan Cranston & James Franco In 'Why Him'". Deadline.com. Retrieved January 14, 2016.
- ^ Kit, Borys (December 8, 2015). "Zoey Deutch Joins Bryan Cranston, James Franco in Comedy 'Why Him?'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
- ^ Kit, Borys (January 19, 2016). "Keegan-Michael Key Joins Bryan Cranston, James Franco in 'Why Him?'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
- ^ Ford, Rebecca (February 5, 2016). "Zack Pearlman Joins James Franco Comedy 'Why Him?'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
- ^ a b "Steve Aoki on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
- ^ Hipes, Patrick (March 9, 2016). "Zoey Deutch Books Key Role In 'Rebel In The Rye'". Deadline. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
- ^ "Silicon Valley Types to work Feb in LA for "Why Him"". richkingcasting.net. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
- ^ McNary, Dave (February 28, 2016). "Ridley Scott's 'Alien: Covenant' Moved Up to Summer 2017". Variety. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
- ^ Lewis, Hilary (October 15, 2016). "It's Official: Fox's 'Hidden Figures' NASA Film to Get Oscar-Qualifying Limited Release". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 15, 2016.