Former “Daily Show” correspondent Jessica Williams has landed her first starring role. She’ll re-team with director Jim Strouse for an untitled feature film, taking on a role that was written specifically for her. The two previously worked together on “People Places Things,” which premiered at Sundance 2015 and was released later that year.
Williams will be joined by costars Chris O’Dowd (“Bridesmaids”), Lakeith Stanfield (“Straight Outta Compton”), and Noël Wells (“Master of None”). Filming has already kicked off in NYC.
According to a press release, Williams will play Jessica, “an aspiring playwright in New York City trying hard to get over a recent break-up with her boyfriend. She sees light at the end of the tunnel when she meets Boone (O’Dowd), himself recently divorced.” A connection forms and “they figure out a way to make it through the tough times — and in the meantime, they realize they like each other — a lot. Stanfield will portray the ex-boyfriend Jessica still carries a torch for and Wells portrays Jessica’s best friend and confidante.”
Williams will serve as executive producer. Beachside is financing the project.
Regarding Williams’ casting, Strouse stated, “While I was in the edit room for ‘People Places Things,’ I kept telling people that I can’t wait till she stars in her own movie. I just decided to get a jump on it and wrote one for her. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be making it with Jessica and the rest of this incredible cast which came together around her.”
Williams made history as the youngest correspondent to ever join “The Daily Show.” She left the late-night series to pursue other projects. Her other credits include “Girls” and “Just for Kicks.” Williams has a development deal with Comedy Central and, along with Phoebe Robinson (“White Guy Talk Show”), hosts “2 Dope Queens,” a popular podcast.