Universal Pictures has been on the prowl, seeking out adult-aimed comedies to follow up its current batch, which include the Judd Apatow’s Bridesmaids, Seth MacFarlane’s Ted, and Jason Segel’s Five-Year Engagement.
Now, Deadline reveals the studio has already snagged the provocatively titled spec script Dirty Grandpa from an unnamed NY writer, to have Barry Josephson (Life As We Know It) produce. The comedy would center on the growing bond between a widower and his grandson, who is engaged to a woman “who is not right for him.” (Not for nothing, it sounds pretty similar to the upcoming Adam Sandler comedy I Hate You, Dad.)
In other news, Universal could be looking to revisit the success of 2006’s The Break-Up by re-teaming its star, Vince Vaughn, with its co-writer, Jeremy Garelick, for Insane Laws. This comedy, which centers on two best friends struggling to cope, when their grown children get romantically entangled, was at Columbia, but now it’s up for grabs and Universal is circling. According to THR, Universal is in final talks to produce the film, which is loosely based on the writer’s own life. Garelick was initially lined up to direct the film when Columbia picked up the script in 2009, no word yet on if this contract stipulation will stay in tact if Universal bites. It would be Garelick’s feature directorial debut.
Which of Universal’s upcoming comedies are you most excited for?