Universal Pictures today announced that production begins this week on the Top SecretUntitled Lonely Island Project, starring digital-shorts superstarsAndy Samberg,Akiva SchafferandJorma Taccone, who are collectively known asThe Lonely Island. Co-directed byAkiva SchafferandJorma Taccone, the comedy from blockbuster producerJudd Apatow(Knocked Up,Bridesmaids, upcomingTrainwreck) will be set in the world of music.
Taccone, Samberg and Schaffer have been friends since junior high school in Berkeley, California. In 2000, the trio began writing, directing and producing its own brand of comedy and showcasing it onTheLonelyIsland.com. The three writing partners are responsible for creating the popular SNL “Digital Shorts,” which reinvigorated the series and spurred many water-cooler moments over the past decade.
Some of the most notable shorts include their Emmy-winning “D**k in a Box” (withJustin Timberlake), “Lazy Sunday” (a rap aboutThe Chronicles of Narnia) and “TheNatalie PortmanRap,” “YOLO (featuringAdam Levine&Kendrick Lamar),” “I Just Had Sex (featuring Akon)” and “I’m on a Boat (featuringT-Pain).“The Lonely Island’s debut album, “Incredibad,” was released by Universal Republic in February 2009 and is the first comedy album to reach No. 1 on iTunes. Here’s whatThe Lonely Islandhad to say in a joint statement.
“Not to be hyperbolic, but we are seriously zazzed about this movie.”
ProducerJudd Apatowhad this to say in his statement.
“I have begged these fine gentlemen to allow me to produce one of their films since day one, and finally they decided my whining needed to come to an end.”
Joining the behind-the-scenes crew ofThe Lonely Islandare director of photographyBrandon Trost(This Is the End,Neighbors); editorsJamie Gross(Role Models, upcomingVacation),Stacey Schroeder(Grudge Match, TV’sKey & Peele) andZene Baker(This Is the End,Neighbors); production designerJon Billington(World War Z,The Interview) and costume designer Sophie De Rakoff (Legally Blonde, Sweet Home Alabama). The feature film will be produced byJudd Apatow,Rodney Rothman(producer ofGet Him to the Greek,Forgetting Sarah Marshall; co-writer of22 Jump Street),Andy Samberg,Akiva SchafferandJorma Tacconeand executive produced by Morgan Sackett (TV’s Parks and Recreation, Seinfeld). The Top SecretUntitled Lonely Island Projectwill be released by Universal Pictures worldwide.
A separate report reveals the story focuses on a successful rapper whose current album bombs, forcing him to “do the unthinkable,” get back together with his former boy band for a reunion concert. The plot is also said to be a parody of recent concert documentaries such asJustin Bieber’s BelieveandKaty Perry: Part of Me. ProducerJudd Apatowalso revealed the first poster on his Twitter account, to commemorate the start of principal photography. Check it out below, and stay tuned for more on theUntitled Lonely Island Project.
