It's just raining remakes today isn't it? Larry Charles, the director of BORAT, BRUNO, and one of the best writers on SEINFELD is set to write the remake of the 2001 Australian film THE MAN WHO SUED GOD. There is also the possibility of Charles directing the movie. The original film starred fellow Scotsman Billy Connolly and having watched it I can certainly see the appeal to someone like Larry Charles.
Here’s the synopsis of the original:
Billy Connolly plays Steve Myers, a lawyer who became a fisherman from frustration. When his one piece of property, his boat, is struck by lightning and destroyed he is denied insurance money because it was ‘an act of God’. He re-registers as a lawyer and sues the insurance company and the church under the geise of God, defending himself. The accident leads him to a friendship and eventual relationship with a journalist, Anna Redmond (Judy Davis).
Charles is not one to shy away from the controversial and putting his own spin on this rather family friendly material could make for something great. He tackled religion behind the camera before with RELIGULOUS and a few times on CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM; it's something he knows all too well and you wouldn't want to get into an argument with him at a bar is all I'm saying. Sacha Baron Cohen who Charles has worked with on three features would be an interesting choice to lead, or maybe even Larry David; that all sounds prett-ay, prett-ay, prett-ay, pretty good.
Check out the trailer for the original:
THE MAN WHO SUED GOD also starred the very adorable Emily Browning, if she wants to return for the remake, that's fine by everyone.