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'Hot Rod' Director to Helm 'Neighborhood Watch' Starring Ben Stiller?

by Ethan Anderton
June 14, 2011

Directors like David Dobkin (Wedding Crashers) and Peter Segal (Tommy Boy) have previously circled the project, and Will Ferrell was once attached to star, but it looks like the gestating comedy Neighborhood Watch might be getting some new members. Heat Vision reports Akiva Schaffer, director of the underrated comedy Hot Rod, has been offered the job to helm the new comedy from 20th Century Fox and Shawn Levy's 21 Laps production banner. In addition, apparently Ben Stiller is now circling the project as his next film after finishing up the comedy Tower Heist from Universal and director Brett Ratner.

Last we heard any news about the project, Superbad writing partners Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg were working on another draft of the script (which was originally written by Jared Stern and appeared on the 2009 Black List) and that's what got both Schaffer and Stiller interested. For those just joining us, the new comedy is about a group of suburban fathers who start a neighborhood watch group as a front for some male bonding time away from the family. But of course, the group discovers a sinister plot to destroy the world, though it's not clear who or what is behind this crazy plot.

As of now, Shaffer has an offer to direct while Stiller is still waiting in the wings to possibly play one of the fathers in the film. Having these two collaborate could have Stiller delivering his first genuinely funny comedy since Tropic Thunder in 2008. In addition, if sources are correct, Stiller will make Neighborhood Watch instead of The Secret Life of Walter Mitty which recently had the actor attached to the long-gestating project that may never get off the ground. As for Shaffer's involvement as a director, Hot Rod is absolutely hilarious, and Shaffer's work on music videos for his comedy rap group The Lonely Island with Andy Samberg and Jorma Taccone speak for themselves. Count me in. How about you?

Filed under Casting, Development, Movie News

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