Ed Helms looks to be ending one nightmare road trip in THE HANGOVER and starting up a brand new one in New Line’s VACATION, the remake of the classic Chevy Chase franchise.
While a reboot of NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION has been talked about for quite a while, it seems that this new VACATION will be neither a reboot or a remake but rather a sequel of sorts.
Variety is reporting that Helms will portray Rusty Griswold, son of Chevy Chase’s Clark Griswold character. This would also leave the door open for a possible cameo by Chase in the film. Rusty would be embarking on his own family misadventure. Rusty Griswold was portrayed by Anthony Michael Hall, Jason Lively, and Ethan Embry in the prior films.
The new VACATION comes from HORRIBLE BOSSES screenwriters John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein who will also direct the movie. Daley and Goldstein are also responsible for the upcoming THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE with Steve Carrel and Jim Carrey as well as CLOUDY 2: REVENGE OF THE LEFTOVERS. Production is set to begin just as soon as THE HANGOVER PART III wraps.
I have to say this is inspired casting. I like Helms personality and he can definitely sell the straight man character he has become associated with from film and THE OFFICE. I am now looking forward to seeing how this project comes together.