Dave Franco and O'Shea Jackson Jr. Headline Sundance Comedy 'The S---heads'
The Sundance Film Festival, often celebrated for its serious dramatic offerings, is embracing a more humorous side this year with a notable lineup of comedies. Among them is The S---heads, a film directed by Sundance veteran Macon Blair, which premiered in Park City, Utah, on Friday night.
A Road Movie Gone Wrong
In The S---heads, Dave Franco and O'Shea Jackson Jr. portray two down-on-their-luck characters tasked with transporting a troubled teen, played by Mason Thames, to a treatment facility. The film is described as a road movie gone wrong, blending comedic elements with a darker, seedier undertone that has evolved over its decade-long development.
Long-Awaited Production
Blair and co-writer Alex Orr began working on the script over ten years ago, with an initial attempt to produce it in 2017 falling through due to financing issues during pre-production. Blair notes that the story has grown angrier and more pronounced over time, yet it remains a fun and breezy comedy intended to entertain audiences.
Franco's Crucial Role
Dave Franco played a pivotal role in reviving the project, joining as a producer to secure funding and suggesting Jackson and Thames for key roles. Blair praised Franco's dedication and preparedness, highlighting how his contributions consistently enhanced the film.
Supporting Cast and Distribution Hopes
The film features surprising supporting performances from Kiernan Shipka and Peter Dinklage, the latter of whom Blair befriended at a previous Sundance event. Blair hopes to find a distributor open to a theatrical release, citing unconventional successes like Friendship as inspiration. He aims for audiences to appreciate the film's unique vibe and Jackson's vulnerable performance, balancing laughter with recognition of his acting talent.
Sundance's Comedy Shift
This year's Sundance lineup includes a variety of comedies, from quirky documentaries to raucous fare, signalling a shift towards more diverse genres at the independent film festival. The S---heads is among the films seeking distribution, showcasing the festival's evolving landscape.
