News has emerged out of the Berlin International Film Festival concerning director Phil Morrison's long-awaited follow-up to his breakthrough debut Junebug, which launched its supporting player Amy Adams to stardom by earning her an eye-catching Academy Award nod. Morrison also drew praise, but then receded from the spotlight, serving as executive producer on indie writer-director Kelly Reichardt's two acclaimed, Michelle Williams-fronted dramas Wendy and Lucy and Meek's Cutoff. However, now Deadline reveals Morrison will return to the director's chair next month to shoot Lucky Dog, a comedy set and shot in New York City.
The film, penned by Melissa James Gibson, will follow the humorous exploits of a couple of ever-feuding French-Canadian con men who decide to team up to make some quick cash selling Christmas trees on the streets of New York. English sweetheart Sally Hawkins (Made in Dagenham) is set to co-star alongside keen comedic actors and New York locals, Paul Giamatti and Paul Rudd. The announcement does not proclaim what roles these performers will take on, but it's a safe bet that Giamatti and Rudd will play the bickering tree hustlers.
This will mark the first time this pair of Pauls have shared the screen, and it's sure to be dynamic as each has shown to be a great comedic curmudgeon, Giamatti in Cold Souls and Rudd in Role Models. With Hawkins and her inherently charming personality on board, I can't help but wonder if the plot might spin in romantic direction not unlike the gigolo comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, wherein the two con artists fall for the same woman, and a hilarious rivalry ensues. Of course as Morrison's first effort roughly defies an easy description, it's difficult to say what may be in store with Lucky Dog, but with a cast like this it's sure to garner notice.
