IsEvangeline Lillyabout to have an affair with a stoner who drives an ice cream truck? That’s what sources say her new movieHappy Lifeis about, and honestly? I’m here for it.
Highland Film Group has announced that theAvengers: Endgameactress has signed on star alongsideIke Barinholtzin the indie comedy, which marks the debut feature from writer-directorDavid Stassen. Barinholtz and Stassen will produce along withAndrew Robinsonand Aperture Media Productions. Filming will take place this summer.
According to producers,Happy Lifefollows new mom Allison Beck (Lilly), who suspects her workaholic husband Eli (Barinholtz) of having an affair with an Instagram star. One mistake after another leads her into the arms of a younger man as she struggles to come to terms with her life decisions and be the mother she aspires to be.
“Struggling to come to terms with life decisions and motherhood” sounds kind of heavy, but I hear the script is actually a bit lighter in tone, and Barinholtz’s casting certainly suggests something more comedic. I’d say it’s hard to take an affair with the local ice cream man seriously, but come to think of it,Josh Charlesplayed the corndog guy inDon’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Deadand I was very invested in his relationship withChristina Applegate’s Sue Ellen. Anyway, I really like this role for Lilly, who is, of course, beautiful, but the children’s book author seems to have eschewed roles that trade on her looks and sexuality ever sinceLostthrust her into the middle of a classic island love triangle. And yet, sexuality is one of the many weapons in an actor’s arsenal, and the idea of her getting back at her cheating hubby by having it off with a young stoner in the back of an ice cream truck is actually fairly interesting. Plus, Barinholtz makes a great ‘dick,’ so he’s a great choice to play a guy who gets his comeuppance — not that two wrongs make a right. Though as the saying goes, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander!
Lilly parlayed her breakout role on the hit TV seriesLostinto a starring role inThe Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. More recently, she played the title character in Marvel’sAnt-Man and the Waspand appeared in the box office behemothAvengers: Endgame. Lilly will soon be seen alongsideGary OldmanandArmie Hammerin the upcoming indie dramaDreamland. She’s represented by Lilly is represented by UTA and Silver Lining Entertainment.
Barinholtz is best known for starring onThe Mindy Project, and he’ll soon be seen alongsideMindy Kalingonce again in the upcoming movieLate Night, which is terrific. Barinholtz recently made his own directorial debut withThe Oath, and his feature credits includeSuicide Squad,BlockersandNeighbors. He’s repped by Barinholtz is represented by UTA and Artists First.
Stassen is a writer/producer known for comedies such asThe OathandBlockersas well asCentral IntelligencestarringDwayne JohnsonandKevin Hart. He’s also behind the upcoming comedyCrime After Crimethat will pair Barinholtz withCrazy Rich AsiansstarAwkwafina. He’s repped by UTA and Mosaic.
