Writer/actress/comedian Tina Fey is set to star in an adaption of THE TALIBAN SHUFFLE, a memoir by journalist Kim Barker. The real-life tale was adapted by screenwriter Robert Carlock and will be produced by both Fey and Lorne Michaels. No director is attached at this time. The memoir was released in 2012 and Fey quickly optioned it. Here’s the lowdown on the story (from Amazon):
When Kim Barker first arrived in Kabul as a journalist in 2002, she barely owned a passport, spoke only English and had little idea how to do the “Taliban Shuffle” between Afghanistan and Pakistan. No matter—her stories about Islamic militants and shaky reconstruction were soon overshadowed by the bigger news in Iraq. But as she delved deeper into Pakistan and Afghanistan, her love for the hapless countries grew, along with her fear for their future stability. In this darkly comic and unsparing memoir, Barker uses her wry, incisive voice to expose the absurdities and tragedies of the “forgotten war,” finding humor and humanity amid the rubble and heartbreak.
I know this isn’t “holy shit” news, but I really like the idea of Fey in this role. It’s not another standard issue comedy that you would expect the actress to be in and the story has potential to be something that would allow Fey to stretch her acting chops a bit. There was a time when comedians like Robin Williams were considered only as comedians, but that began to change after roles like GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM and DEAD POETS SOCIETY. Fey may not have the same agenda in becoming a dramatic actress, but I’d like to see her give it a shot. Like GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM, this seems like a project that can balance drama and humor, allowing more room to see what she’s made of. Still too early to call, but I see potential here.
Fey will next be seen in MUPPETS MOST WANTED on March 21, 2014.