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Exclusive: Steve Carell Comedy 'Burt Wonderstone' Loses its Director

by Ethan Anderton
April 5, 2011

Back in February we learned that Steve Carell and his developing magician-centric comedy Burt Wonderstone had found a director in TV helmer Charles McDougall. However, a reliable source has informed us that negotiations between the director and New Line have broken down and now a new helmer is being sought. If you haven't heard, the story follows rival Las Vegas magicians where Carell plays a magic man dethroned by a younger, hipper illusionist and then must find a way to rediscover his love for magic. So who would be a good choice to sit in the director's chair for this promising comedy? Find out my replacement choice below.

Personally, I want to make a push for Jim Field Smith. The guy didn't get nearly as much credit as he deserved for delivering a wholly underrated comedy last year with She's Out of My League. In addition, he already has his next film under his belt, the promising Midwest satire Butter starring Hugh Jackman, Jennifer Garner, Olivia Wilde and more. It's a shame that McDougall couldn't work out a deal for the film (especially since he's already worked with Carell on "The Office"), but that's Hollywood for you. Time for the next director to step up to the plate and make this happen. Thoughts?

Filed under Feat, Movie News, Opinions

From around the web:

dave

Wes Anderson
Ken7eleven

Christopher Nolan
- dave
  
  if were going all out then MEL GIBSON, spielberg!!!!
  - Dandoo
    
    Yeah Gibson all the way:) I'm still holding out some hope that he might cameo in Hangover2. the mans a crazy legend.
    - dave
      
      don't think they would still put him in it dude, bit disrespectful to the cast's request, they'd be shutting them selves off any chance of a sequel if they did.
      - Dandoo
        
        I have to say, i agree, even though I think all his personal shit (no matter how mad it was) should have been kept in the courts or in private. It's not a matter for us to judge him, but in the end the people who are making the film, if they dint want it you have to respect their wishes. But one can hope!
ocho

She's Out of My League was the worst film I've seen (or tried to see) in a long time. I walked out after 20 minutes. So no, Jim Field Smith.
http://twitter.com/ModAmericanMan Modern American Man

I think that's a good choice Ethan. Jim needs a follow up project with a high caliber comedian like Carell. That will show whether or not he has talent as a director. And despite "Ocho", I thought She's Out of My League was a decent comedy. It was a nice movie to rent with the wife...Even though it was a reminder that my wife is waaaaaaaaaaay out of my league. *sigh
Lebowski

Adam McKay would smash this shit out of the park and break some windows on the moon.
- http://twitter.com/ModAmericanMan Modern American Man
  
  Actually, good call. I never thought of him.