Only two months after news broke that Kay Cannon would direct Sony Pictures’ retelling of “Cinderella” comes word that the “Blockers” filmmaker will helm yet another studio comedy. Variety confirms Cannon has signed on to direct Lionsgate’s “79ers,” a story about estranged friends who, after a 20-year gap, come back together to finish a treasure hunt they started as teenagers.
Dylan Meyer (“XOXO”) will pen “79ers” from Ben Schwartz’s original screenplay. The pic will reunite Cannon with “Blockers” producer Point Grey. Also producing is Gary Sanchez Productions (“Vice”).
“Kay is wonderful at capturing characters in situational conflict and is the perfect choice for this re-engineered coming of age comedy. I hope when we are finished with this film it feels like ‘Goonies’ for adults,” said Lionsgate prez Nathan Kahane. “I have loved this script ever since I first read it. It has such great roles for a group of actors, as our estranged friends have the wisdom and life experience of 30-year-olds but the baggage of their teen years that they have to overcome as they reunite for a legendary treasure hunt that has eluded them for decades.”
“Cinderella,” a modern musical update of the classic fairy tale starring Camila Cabello, is scheduled to open February 5, 2021. It will mark Cannon’s second directorial effort. She made her debut last year with “Blockers,” a prom night comedy about parents trying to prevent their teen daughters from having sex.
A three-time Emmy nominee, Cannon launched her career as a writer on “30 Rock.” “New Girl,” “Cristela,” and “Girlboss” are among her other TV writing credits. She penned the screenplay for 2012 box office smash “Pitch Perfect,” and went on to write the second and third installments of the aca-franchise.
