‘Friendsgiving’: Malin Akerman, Kat Dennings, Chelsea Peretti Give Thanks In Ben Stiller-Produced Comedy Picked Up By Saban Films
As long as there are an infinite number of holidays, there will always be holiday ensemble comedies. ButFriendsgivingone might be one that we can give thanks for. Produced byBen Stillerand starring an all-star cast of comedians that includesMalin Akerman, Kat Dennings, Chelsea Peretti, Christine Taylor, Jane Seymour, and more,Friendsgivinghas just been picked up by Saban Films with a planned theatrical release for long after Thanksgiving. But hey, being thankful is a year-round experience.
Saban Films announced that it has acquired the U.S. rights toFriendsgiving, an ensemble comedy directed byFunny PeopleandThe Big Gay Sketch ShowactressNicol Paonein her directorial debut. The film is set to star Malin Akerman, Kat Dennings, Chelsea Peretti, Christine Taylor, Jane Seymour,Aisha Tyler, Deon Cole, Wanda Sykes, Margaret Cho,andFortune Feimsterin a comedy that follows a “motley crew of close friends” during the new Thanksgiving tradition celebrated by friend groups across the country (and inspired partly by the popularity of theFriendsepisodes set during the holiday.
Here is the synopsis forFriendsgiving:
Friendsgivingfollows Molly (Akerman), a glamorous, newly divorced actor, and Abby (Dennings), her recently-dumped lesbian best friend. Together, along with their motley crew of close friends and strange acquaintances, they host a dysfunctional, comical and chaotic Thanksgiving dinner.
Saban Films, which is behind such independent films asLizzie, Night Hunter, and the upcomingJay and Silent Bob Reboot, plans to release the film in 2020, presumably during Thanksgiving.
“We are thrilled to be championingFriendsgivingalong with Red Hour and Endeavor Content,” said Saban Films' Bill Bromiley. “This is a witty and relatable story, along with an outstanding and endearing ensemble cast that our audiences will be enjoying next holiday season.”
But unlike other cheesy holiday-themed ensemble movies that sprung up in the wake ofLove, Actually(likeValentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve,etc.), the holiday inFriendsgivingdoesn’t seem as central to the plot of the movie. WithBen Stillerproducing alongsideNicholas WeinstockandHaroon Saleemfor Red Hour Films, it seems more like a straight-up comedy than a holiday-themed studio cash grab. Akerman is also producing while Tara L. Craig is executive producing.
