“Napoleon Dynamite” helmer to direct “Overnight at 42nd Street” comedy

PanARMENIAN.Net - “Napoleon Dynamite” helmer Jared Hess is set to direct Disney’s family comedy “Overnight at 42nd Street”, Variety reports.

Neal Moritz and Ori Marmur will produce from a script by Oren Uziel.

Described as “Home Alone” in a toy store, the film follows a father and son who are given the opportunity to spend the night in a lavish toy store.

Originally eyed as a starring vehicle for Will Ferrell when Gary Sanchez Productions was involved as a producer, sources say the role of the parent is open as the studio sets its sights on finding its father-son combo before going into production.

Hess looks to be a good fit, given his ability to appeal to younger and older audiences with movies like “Napoleon Dynamite” and “Nacho Libre.”

His most recent pic, “Don Verdean,” starring Sam Rockwell and Amy Ryan, had its premiere at Sundance before being acquired by Lionsgate for distribution. He is currently in post-production on the Relativity heist comedy “Masterminds” starring Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson, Zach Galifianakis and Jason Sudeikis.