Tim Heidecker and Wendi McLendon-Covey have joined the cast of “A Friggin’ Christmas Miracle,” a Christmas comedy starring Joel McHale and Robin Williams, according to Tom Rice of Sycamore Pictures, which is financing and producing the film.
Phil Johnston’s script follows Boyd Mitchler (McHale) as he takes his wife and son to visit his family for Christmas. Mitchler soon realizes he left all his son’s gifts at home, so he, his father (Williams) and brother set off to salvage the holiday.
McLendon-Covey (left), best known for her work in “Reno 911!” and her role as one of the “Bridesmaids,” will play Williams’ daughter, a mother of three who still breast feeds her 4-year-old. The UTA-repped actress just wrapped Tyler Perry's "Single Mom's Club" and scored the female lead in Adam F. Goldberg's untitled single-camera comedy pilot.
Heidecker, one-half of the comedic duo “Tim & Eric” will play McLendon-Covey's husband Dave, a trucker. The CAA-repped Heidecker just launched a YouTube channel with Reggie Watts, Michael Cera and Eric Wareheim (the "Eric" of "Tim & Eric").
Tristram Shapeero is directing while the Russo Brothers, who are about to direct the “Captain America” sequel, are producing the film with Rice.
“I've been friends with Wendi for over a decade now, we've done a few shorts together, and I'm a huge Tim & Eric fan, so this is dream-come-true casting for me,” Rice told TheWrap.
Four child actors have joined the cast as well to play kids in the Mitchler family — Pierce Gagnon of "Looper," Bebe Wood of "The New Normal," Ryan Lee of "This is 40" and Amara Miller of "The Descendants." Gagnon will play Douglas, the son of Boyd and Luann Mitchler (Lauren Graham), who may suffer through Christmas without presents.
Wood plays Douglas' sister Vera, while Lee and Miller play their cousins Rance and Pam.
The film is about to begin shooting in Atlanta but still has a few key parts to cast.
