The last time we heard about the indie dramedy Celeste and Jesse Forever, Seth Gordon, who directed the wonderful doc King of Kong and the gruesome yuletide comedy Four Christmases, was in negotiations to direct, while Parks and Recreation star Rashida Jones, who was co-writing with Will McCormack, was attached to star. Now. Variety has announced a shakeup and revealed the latest cast additions.
First off Lee Toland Krieger, who helmed the underseen indie gem The Vicious Kind (which stars Parks & Rec’s Adam Scott) has signed on to direct Celeste and Jesse, and he’s brought on a boatload of indie stars – and Andy Samberg.
Jones and Samberg will co-star as a couple who is divorcing, and living together…and trying to stay friends while they re-enter the dating pool. You know, like you do.Chris Messina, who played Jones’ beau earlier this year in Monogamy, will play a financial analyst who tries to help her forget her ex, ehile the always effervescent Ari Graynor (perhaps best remembered as the delightfully drunken bestie of Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist) has signed on to play Jones’ best bud from college, who is understandably critical of Celeste and Jesse’s living arrangement. And Emma Roberts, most recently of Scream 4 and The Art of Getting By, will play a starlet who hires Jones to revitalize her image.
No word yet on when Celeste will go into production, but as an ardent fan of the complicated dark comedy that was The Vicious Kind, I’m eager to see what Krieger brings to Jones and McCormack’s script.
How about you? Are you enticed by Celeste and Jesse Forever’s premise or cast?