‘Pitch Perfect’s Jason Moore Tapped To Direct Dramedy ‘The Guncle’ For Lionsgate

deadline.com:

EXCLUSIVE: Jason Moore (Pitch Perfect) has been tapped to develop and direct an adaptation of Steven Rowley’s acclaimed bestseller, The Guncle, for Lionsgate.The Guncle follows a reclusive, once-famous gay television star who takes his young niece and nephew into his Palm Springs home after their mother dies suddenly, introducing them to his outsized life and unique wisdom and bringing about healing for all three.Lionsgate landed rights to the book from Penguin Random House’s Putnam imprint, in a competitive situation, shortly after its publication last May.

Rowley is adapting the screenplay and will exec produce. Kristin Burr will produce through her Burr! Productions, alongside Rob Weisbach, with Burr!

Productions’ Jessica Friedman to serve as co-producer. James Myers and Scott O’Brien are overseeing the project on behalf of the studio.“Since we acquired this book last year, it’s become a favorite of readers everywhere, including Jason – who’ll capture the emotion and warmth alongside the huge laughs that make this story so special,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group’s President, Nathan Kahane.“Steven Rowley’s book THE GUNCLE captured my heart right away,” shared Moore. “It is hilarious in its observation of the intersection of wanting a family and not being fully equipped yet to run one.

I’m thrilled to be collaborating with my friends at Lionsgate again to bring this story to audiences.”“We’ve been big fans of Jason’s since Avenue Q, so it’s hugely excited to finally work with him,” added Burr. “Jason will nail the heart and humor of this beloved book.”Moore most recently directed Lionsgate’s action rom-com Shotgun Wedding, starring Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel, which is slated for release on Prime Video.