Ridham VashishthWith an undeniable charisma and comedic flair, Paul Rudd has effortlessly carved out a name for himself in Hollywood’s ever-shifting landscape. This New Jersey native, born on April 6, 1969, first charmed audiences with memorable performances in classics like ‘Clueless’ (1995) and then later in hits like ‘The 40-Year-Old Virgin’ (2005). Throughout his career, Rudd’s adaptability to fit both light-hearted comedies and more intense dramas has been commendable, frequently teaming up with stalwarts like Judd Apatow. Marvel fans will undeniably recognize him as the witty Scott Lang from the ‘Ant-Man’ movies, showcasing his appeal in major blockbusters.
Beyond the cinema, Rudd’s presence on TV is just as impactful. Whether it’s his stint as the lovable Mike Hannigan in ‘Friends’ or his intriguing double act in ‘Living with Yourself’ on Netflix, the actor has consistently shone. And yes, it’s hard not to mention that in 2021, People magazine rightfully dubbed him the ‘Sexiest Man Alive.’ As his admirers look forward to what he’ll tackle next, one thing’s clear – Paul Rudd’s enchantment in the entertainment realm isn’t fading anytime soon. Stay tuned to discover all the new roles and projects lined up for this evergreen star!
1. Friendship (TBA)
Written and directed by Andrew DeYoung in his directorial feature debut, ‘Friendship’ tells the story of suburban dad Craig Waterman, whose peaceful family life with his wife and son gets overturned by the arrival of his mysterious new neighbor, Brian. While Brian transforms everything for Craig, the latter’s childlike behavior threatens their newly made friendship and his own happy life as well. Rudd plays Brian while Tim Robinson plays Craig. The rest of the cast includes Kate Mara, Meredith Garretson, Josh Segarra, and Jack Dylan Grazer. ‘Friendship’ had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in on September 8, 2024. A24 acquired distribution rights to the film and a release date is awaited.
2. Death of a Unicorn (2025)
‘Death of a Unicorn’ is an upcoming horror-comedy directed and penned by Alex Scharfman. The narrative revolves around a bizarre yet captivating premise wherein the daughter-father duo of Riley and Elliot, in an unforeseen turn of events, end up hitting a unicorn with their car. As they transport this mystical creature to a secluded retreat belonging to a wealthy pharmaceutical CEO, they discover that the unicorn possesses curative powers. This revelation triggers a moral and chaotic quandary: what should be done with the body of this legendary creature?
Rudd takes on the role of Elliot, though the intricacies of his character remain somewhat mysterious. He is accompanied on-screen by Jenna Ortega, who portrays his on-screen daughter, Riley. The duo is set to navigate this whimsical and dark comedy, bringing their unique charm and depth to the film. The case also includes Will Poulter, Téa Leoni, Richard E. Grant, and Anthony Carrigan. The A24 film is currently in its post-production phase and will be released in spring 2025. You can watch the trailer here.
3. Power Ballad (TBA)
Directed by John Carney, ‘Power Ballad’ is a musical comedy about a has-been wedding singer (Rudd), a younger rock star (Nick Jonas), and the song that comes between them. Based on a script by Carney and Peter McDonald, the Lionsgate film co-stars Jack Reynor (‘Sing Street’), Havana Rose Liu, and Sophie Vavasseur. The film is in its post-production phase and more details about the plot and a potential release date are awaited.
4. The Anaconda (TBA)
Rudd and Jack Black will star in ‘The Anaconda’ at Sony Pictures. Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten wrote the script, and Gormican will direct. The upcoming film is poised to offer a new take on the monstrous snake but will be a comedy. It will also star Daniela Melchior and Jack Waters. ‘The Anaconda’ is in its pre-production stage and more details are awaited.
5. The Invite (TBA)
‘The Invite’ is an upcoming comedy film helmed by the directorial duo of Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris. Unraveling a narrative rich in humor and curiosity, the plot orbits around the couple Joe and Angela, whose relationship has fallen into a routine. Their lives get turned around when they invite their neighbors Kayla and Shane over cocktails, only to learn that the latter duo might be hosting weekly orgies. Rudd stars as Joe, and with his undeniable flair for comedy, he’s primed to infuse the narrative with his signature wit and charm. Alongside Rudd, the film showcases a stellar ensemble, including Amy Adams as Angela and Tessa Thompson embodying Kayla.
Rudd’s involvement hints at a delightful performance that aligns with the film’s intriguing premise. It has been in its pre-production phase for a long time.
Read More: Clueless (1995): Where Was the Movie Filmed?
