Roth previously enjoyed tremendous success with Columbus on the first two "Home Alone" films and with Allen on "The Santa Clause" while he was Chairman of Twentieth Century Fox and Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group respectively.
"I thought 'Skipping Christmas' was a hilarious story," said Roth. "To be reunited with Tim and Chris on the project makes it perfect."
The comedy, which was brought into the company by Revolution Studios Partner Todd Garner, will be produced by Columbus and his partners at 1492 Pictures, Michael Barnathan and Mark Radcliffe. The project will be overseen at Revolution Studios by Suzanne Todd. Roth last directed the hit comedy "America's Sweethearts." John Grisham's novel "Skipping Christmas" is currently on the New York Times Bestseller List for an unprecedented third consecutive year.
"I loved the idea, thought Chris had done a wonderful adaptation of John's novel and felt I had the perfect director and star," said Garner. "This is one of those times where all the pieces come together which is really satisfying."
"I am thrilled that Joe will direct 'Skipping Christmas,'" said Columbus. "He has all the sensibilities to make this a great movie. Tim Allen is perfect for the role of Luther Krank. Tim's comedic instincts and the subtle choices he makes when portraying a character are always smart, honest and relatable."
Roth, who will produce the upcoming Academy Award telecast, will begin production on the project in April for a holiday 2004 release. Roth remains attached to direct Ice Cube in the drama "Willie," which will now begin production in fall 2004. Ice Cube, who has just begun production on Revolution Studios' comedy "Are We There Yet?," will now make the sequel to Revolution Studios' "XXX" his next film. The project will begin production in August 2004 for summer 2005.
Allen will continue his association with Revolution Studios with "In The Pink," a comedy about a man who teams with a group of women to sell door-to-door cosmetics after he loses his job. The project is scheduled to being production in the fall of 2004.
Revolution Studios was formed by Joe Roth in May 2000 to independently produce and finance films in partnership with Sony Pictures, Starz Encore Group and Fox Entertainment Group.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Casting News/Production Updates
Upcoming Theatrical Releases
