Andy Samberg Rom-Com Replaces Jean Smart With 5-Time Oscar Nominee

An upcoming rom-com film, starring Andy Samberg, has experienced a major shake-up in its cast. According to a new report, Jean Smart, who was originally set to star opposite the Brooklyn Nine-Nine alum in the feature, has now been replaced by a five-time Oscar nominee.

Andy Samberg-led 42.6 Years casts Annette Bening as Jean Smart’s replacement

Annette Bening has reportedly been tapped to play the female lead in the rom-com 42.6 Years opposite Andy Samberg, replacing Jean Smart, according to Deadline. An exact reason for Smart’s departure and replacement has not been disclosed.

Craig Gillespie was originally set to direct the movie, which will now be helmed by Michael Schwartz. The latter’s previous credits include The Peanut Butter Falcon and Los Frikis.

Focus Features will be distributing the film in the United States, taking over from the original distributor, Amazon MGM Studios. Meanwhile, Universal Pictures International will distribute the film internationally.

In addition to starring, Samberg also serves as a producer alongside Ali Bell, on behalf of Party Over Here. He also co-wrote the story with Seth Reiss, who developed the screenplay.

The narrative follows Ben, played by Samberg, who undergoes an experimental procedure that leaves him cryogenically frozen for 42.6 years. After coming out of cryostasis, because of which he hasn’t aged a day, he seeks out his girlfriend, Ruthie, essayed by Bening, now much older than him.

Bening was recently seen in Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride! starring Oscar-winners Christian Bale and Jessie Buckley. Before this, she starred in Peacock’s Apples Never Fall opposite Sam Neill and Jake Lacy. She is now gearing up for the release of the Apple TV crime thriller, Lucky, headlined by Anya Taylor-Joy and based on Marissa Stapley’s eponymous novel. The actress also has the Yellowstone spin-off, The Dutton Ranch, on her upcoming film and television show slate.

Meanwhile, Samberg last featured in Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman’s The Roses. He also appeared in Kate Winslet’s Lee and lent his voice to Zootopia 2. In television, he starred in the adult animated sitcom, Digman!, which he also co-created and executive-produced.

Source: Comingsoon.net