Did you know Whitney Cummings is currently making her directorial debut with The Female Brain? I didn’t. Did you know that it’s already in production? News to me. Did you know that Sofia Vergara, Cecily Strong and Blake Griffin are already signed on? If you did, you had a leg up on me. And have you heard the latest news? James Marsden, Lucy Punch and Toby Kebbell also recently joined the cast. I don’t know about you, but this one really snuck up on me. A mere few hours ago, I didn’t even know existed. Now, I’m deeply intrigued. Every day brings their fair share of surprises.
Deadline (via Slashfilm) reported on the upcoming comedy, based on Louann Brizendine’s 2006 book of the same name. It’s adapted to the screen by Cummings and Chappelle’s Show writer Neal Brennan. Based on the synopsis, it’ll center on five unsatisfied couples, and the inner workings and the power of brain chemistry during the different stages of their relationships. Sounds like some heady stuff (pun intended, unfortunately). Though a little high-concept on paper, it’ll probably be rather down-to-earth and approachable on the screen. Of course, we don’t really know what Cummings’ directorial style will be, so let’s not roll anything off the table.
In addition to co-writing and directing, Cummings also stars in the upcoming film. Along with the stars mentioned above, she’s joined by Beanie Feldstein (Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising), Xosha Roquemore (The Mindy Project), Deon Cole (Angie Tribeca) and Chris D’Elia, who previously worked with the actress/director on her short-lived NBC sitcom Whitney. There’s no word yet on when this one will hit theaters, but next year is the safest bet. Perhaps it’ll be ready for TIFF 2017, or something along those lines, will be in its future?
Although Cummings is best known for her stand-up, she’s also the co-creator of CBS’ ongoing 2 Broke Girls, and also created the aforementioned Whitney. The Female Brain, therefore, merely represents her next creative step. And, hopefully, it’ll be beneficial to everyone involved, particularly Kebbell. While he did some great work in Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, he could use another hit these days. Fantastic Four wasn’t a hit, to say the least, and this past weekend’s Ben-Hur is one of the summer’s biggest flops, financially and critically. Perhaps a career change towards comedy is the way to go. Meanwhile, Marsden soon stars in HBO’s long-awaited Westworld in October, and Punch was last seen in The Meddler.
