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Jonah Hill Sells His Spec Script Adventurer's Handbook

by Alex Billington
February 12, 2009

We haven't heard much from Jonah Hill recently, and that may be because he's been shooting any number of upcoming projects, including Judd Apatow's Funny People. However, today we finally have some rather interesting Hollywood sales news to report, coming from Entertainment Weekly, about a high profile spec script that Jonah Hill wrote with his writing partner Max Winkler. It's called Adventurer's Handbook, described as an R rated "edgy, broad comedy" that is about "four 20-something guys who, inspired by a book of the same name, set out overseas in search of a mysterious location described in the book."

Apparently the script was so high profile, that it was sent on red, watermarked paper so it couldn't be photocopied. And subsequently, multiple studios started bidding on it. Initially, EW learned that Universal had made the deal, but couldn't get confirmation. A story just hit on Variety confirming that it was indeed Universal and that they spent upwards of seven figures for the script, which is quite an impressive sale for just a spec script like this. Additionally, their story mentions that Jonah Hill and Jason Schwartzman will star and that Akiva Schaffer, of multiple SNL shorts as well as Hot Rod last year, could be directing.

First off, I know this is kind of a stretch, but at first glance this reminds me of The Goonies. I know that Adventurer's Handbook has older kids and that they actually set off on a voyage, but The Goonies is sort of a buddy adventure movie and this has that same ring to it. Even if it is nothing like Goonies at all, I'm still very interested, just because it sounds like it could be pretty awesome. The plan is to start production later this year, which means it won't take too long to get going, which is always an issue in Hollywood. Maybe this will give Jonah Hill a chance to break out of his same old character for once? Too early to tell!

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Reader Feedback - 14 Comments

Meh.

torrent on Feb 12, 2009

And Alex buys another obvious Early Word Of Mouth Marketing Ploy. So under cover and top secret that both entertainment weekly and variety recieved written notice, a suitcase of cash, and a note that read DANCE PUPPETs. yeah yeah...

Frank on Feb 12, 2009

YEAH! sweet! knowing jonah hill this will be funny

zach on Feb 12, 2009

Forget Jonah Hill. The real news is that Akiva Schaffer will be directing. Maybe. He's whats hot right now, especially with the Lonely Island CD releasing this week.

Andy Adair on Feb 12, 2009

"First off, I know this is kind of a stretch, but at first glance this reminds me of The Goonies. I know that Adventurer's Handbook has older kids and that they actually set off on a voyage, but The Goonies is sort of a buddy adventure movie and this has that same ring to it." Also sounds like The Beach and other "lost place" movie ever made.

Stylist Mick on Feb 12, 2009

"Maybe this will give Jonah Hill a chance to break out of his same old character for once? " This alex, would be tought for Jonah, unless he has clever bussiness flair like Adam Sandler or Stiller.

Dexter on Feb 12, 2009

Adventurer's Handbook = Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy ??

Pedro Lopes on Feb 13, 2009

Jonah at least has experience of the 'buddy system' with filming 'Darjeeling Limited' Definitely catching a Goonies vibe though, with a bit of Without a Paddle. A buddy movie where they go places and get the shit beat out of them. Possible get laid too.

Nick Sears on Feb 13, 2009

@ 8...What did Jonah Hill have to do with The Darjeeling Limited? I didn't think he was involved in that at all.

peloquin on Feb 13, 2009

Jonah Hill is a pretty funny supporting actor, it'll be interesting to see if he can pull of a successful movie of his own. Will definitely check this out.

melissa on Feb 13, 2009

Shit, pure shit!

curiouscaseofredbuttons on Feb 13, 2009

I'm not sure what to think of this (have I already seen this movie?), but congratulations on selling a Spec Script. That's a pretty difficult feat, regardless of how famous you are.

Connor Towle on Feb 14, 2009

love jason schwartzman

Allen Sharpe on Feb 15, 2009

#12 - It is is impressive, especially selling it for $1+ million! I'm with everyone, I love this idea, and I think there are a lot of big names involved that will make it great. The high priced sale just shows that Universal is confident and we shouldn't have much to worry about.

Alex Billington on Feb 15, 2009

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