Ron Howard + Vince Vaughn + Infidelity = Hilarity

Who knew Opie was so money?   Even he didn’t know it, he was so money.   Variety is reporting that director Ron Howard has committed to helm an untitled script from 21 and WALL STREET 2 screenwriter Allan Loeb.

The film will be a comedic look at infidelity within a circle of friends and lovers.   Universal is backing the project, and deals are being finalized for both Howard to direct and Vince Vaughn to star.   Brian Grazer’s Image Entertainment and Vaughn’s Wild West Picture Show will also provide backing for the film.

While it is nice to see Howard getting back to his comedic roots, one has to wonder if he hasn’t gone too far into the dramatic realm to really make us laugh again.   His last out-and-out comedy was 2000’s HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS.   Some would say the last time Howard really made us laugh was over 20 years ago with 1989’s PARENTHOOD.   While some might be complaining that they would rather see Howard and Grazer put their efforts into an ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT feature film, it will be interesting, to say the very least, to see if he still has what it takes.

Vaughn’s comedic clout is a little more intact having to only go back a handful of years to find films like WEDDING CRASHERS and DODGEBALL.   He, too, however, might need to turn up the comedic juices a bit to get over films like THE BREAK-UP and FOUR CHRISTMASES.   COUPLES RETREAT was a decent, financial success, making $161.6 million worldwide against a $70 million price tag.   This new project doesn’t sound like a Vince Vaughn vehicle either, and looks to be more of an ensemble piece a la COUPLES RETREAT.

Production is set to begin in the Spring in Chicago.