“Portlandia” writer-director Jonathan Krisel and writer Graham Wagner will reteam on an adaptation of Lydia Millet’s 2014 satirical novel “Mermaids in Paradise” for Good Universe. This is the Emmy-nominated duo’s feature film.
In the Emmy-nominated duo’s first feature prouject, Krisel will direct from Wagner’s script. The story follows a newlywed couple who discovers the existence of mermaids during their honeymoon in a tropical paradise.
Pacific Electric Picture Co’s Ed Helms (“The Hangover”) and Mike Falbo will produce, as will Danica Radovanov and Krisel. Good Universe’s Nathan Kahane, the company’s co-founder, and Joe Drake will be executive producers. Spencer Wong, who is credited with introducing the idea to Good Universe, will oversee the project.
“We can’t imagine a better team coming together to adapt this fantastic property,” Kahane said. “We’re thrilled to be working on Jonathan and Graham’s first feature project after so much success in television, and Danica, Ed and Mike make the perfect team to help bring their vision to the big screen.”
Krisel and Wagner will team up again to work on “Baskets,” an FX show featuring Zach Galifianakis and Louis C.K. that’s set to debut in 2016.
UTA and Mosaic represent Krisel and ICM and Mosaic represents Wagner. UTA and Principato-Young Entertainment represent Helms. RSWG Literary represents Millet on behalf of Lippincott Massie McQuilkin. Dan Freedman negotiated the “Mermaids in Paradise” deals for Good Universe.