Fresh off HBO’s “Vinyl” and Zack Snyder‘s “Batman v Superman,” Emmy winner Ray Romano and Oscar winner Holly Hunter are in negotiations to join Kumail Nanjiani and Zoe Kazan in the romantic comedy “The Big Sick,” TheWrap has exclusively learned.
Michael Showalter (“Hello, My Name Is Doris”) is directing from a script by Nanjiani and his wife, Emily V. Gordon. The story is based on their own relationship and examines the challenges faced by a Pakistan-born man (Nanjiani) and his American girlfriend (Kazan).
Romano and Hunter are nearing deals to play Kazan’s parents, according to insiders.
Judd Apatow and Barry Mendel are producing the indie film, which is being financed by FilmNation. UTA is handling domestic rights, while FilmNation is handling foreign sales.
Romano has been receiving some of the best reviews of his career for his work alongside Bobby Cannavale on HBO’s “Vinyl.” He previously starred in “Everybody Loves Raymond,” “Men of a Certain Age” and “Parenthood,” and he returns to voice Manny in the animated sequel “Ice Age: Collision Course,” which hits theaters July 22. Romano is represented by ICM Partners, manager Rory Rosegarten of the Conversation Company and attorney Jonathan Moonves.
Oscar winner Hunter can currently be seen as Senator Finch in “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” She recently starred in the Sundance Channel miniseries “Top of the Lake” and David Gordon Green‘s “Manglehorn” opposite Al Pacino, and she will soon be seen in Terrence Malick‘s “Weightless.” She’s repped by ICM Partners, Management 360 and attorney Melanie Cook of Ziffren Brittenham.