Female comedians Rose Byrne and Anna Faris have jumped onboard I Give It A Year, a romantic comedy written and directed by Dan Mazer (screenwriter of Bruno), produced by Working Title’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner [Variety]. It should be noted that Bevan and Fellner are the same men who gave us Notting Hill, High Fidelity and Love Actually, so there’s space to be excited for this particular rom-com.
Year concerns a newlywed couple and their struggle through their first year of marriage. Byrne will play one half of the couple opposite Rafe Spall, a young English actor who’s relatively unknown stateside, perhaps his most prominent cross-Atlantic role being that of Jim Sturgess’ best friend in the romantic flop One Day (he also stole scenes as the dopey William Shakespeare in Roland Emmerich’s flop Anonymous). With a role in Ridley Scott’s upcoming sci-fi juggernaut Prometheus, I give it a year before people know who he is (chuckle/sigh).
Faris will take on supporting duties, as will Simon “The Mentalist” Baker. One presumes they will play the best friend characters in this one.
When comparing the year 2011 for both Byrne and Faris, it’s a bit fascinating. While Byrne stuck primarily to supporting gigs in three films, Faris served as supporting fodder in one but branched out as the sole romantic lead in another, as well as serving as executive producer. However, Byrne’s three movies were hits Insidious, X-Men: First Class and Bridesmaids, all legitimate critical and commercial successes; Faris’ two were Take Me Home Tonight and What’s Your Number?, both which made no money and received no love critically. Now Byrne is playing the romantic lead while Faris plays the supportive friend. Coincidence?
The film is scheduled to start production this spring in London.
Who’s the bigger/will become the bigger star? Byrne or Faris?