By Travis Johnson
Down Under creator Abe Forsythe will direct Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years a Slave, Queen of Katwe), Josh Gad (Beauty and the Beast, A Dog’s Purpose), and Australian actor Alexander England (Alien: Covenant, Offspring) in the zombie comedy Little Monsters, which began production this month in Sydney.
The film follows a washed-up musician (England, who also played the leading role of Shit-Stick in Down Under) who volunteers to chaperone his nephew’s kindergarten class field trip after taking a shine to their teacher (Nyong’o). Dave’s intentions are complicated by the presence of the world’s most famous kids’ show personality – and competition for Miss Caroline’s affections – Teddy McGiggle (Gad). One thing none of them bargained for however, is a sudden zombie outbreak, from which Dave and Miss Caroline must protect the children.
Keith & Jess Calder are producing with Bruna Papandrea, Jodi Matterson and Steve Hutensky, and Jeanne Snow is executive producing.
“We are delighted to be working with Abe Forsythe and the whole team in Australia, as we’re huge fans of his film Down Under,” said Keith Calder. “That we also get to work with Lupita Nyong’o and Josh Gad has turned a great experience into a total dream.”
“Abe is a brilliant filmmaker and I can’t wait for audiences to fall in love with this original film that is equal parts hilarious, heartwarming and terrifying,” said Papandrea. “We at Made Up Stories have been longtime fans of Lupita’s and Josh’s extraordinary work and we are thrilled that they have come on board alongside Alex.”
