Dustin Hoffman and Candice Bergen are set to star in the directorial debut film from “The Big Bang Theory” star Mayim Bialik. The film will be presented to buyers this week at the American Film Market by Film Mode Entertainment, the sales company announced on Thursday.
Bialik wrote the screenplay and will direct the comedy-drama titled “As Sick As They Made Us,” which will also star Olivia Thirlby and Bialik’s “Big Bang” co-star Simon Helberg.
“As Sick as They Made Us” is about a successful, divorced mother of two who rekindles love in her life amidst the crazy antics of her dysfunctional family. Now she attempts to convince the stubborn and comically unfortunate family members to hold it together while they embrace one final farewell.
Anne Clements and Ash Christian are producing, and Clay Epstein on behalf of Film Mode Entertainment will executive produce.
“We can’t wait to see this stellar cast bring such lovable and interesting characters to life. It’s evident that these amazing actors share our love of the materials and we are thrilled to see Mayim’s vision become a reality,” Epstein said in a statement.
“It is an incredible honor and a writer and director’s dream come true to work with actors I’ve respected and adored my entire life. I cannot wait to see what we can create together,” Bialik said.
Hoffman has kept a low profile since being accused of sexual misconduct, first in a guest column by Anna Graham Hunter for The Hollywood Reporter in February 2018. In her piece, Graham Hunter accused Hoffman of attempting to grope her multiple times when she was 17. Hoffman has denied the accusations, and his lawyer referred to the claims as “defamatory falsehoods.” He most recently starred in “The Meyerowitz Stories” from director Noah Baumbach in 2017.
Bergen is also reuniting with Hoffman after starring in “The Meyerowitz Stories,” and she recently starred in the revival of her sitcom “Murphy Brown” for CBS.
Bialik concluded her run on “The Big Bang Theory” when it ended in May 2019 after 12 seasons. Most recently, her production company, Sad Clown Productions, inked a multi-year deal with WBTV including a talent-holding provision for her acting services.
Hoffman is represented by WME and Tavistock Wood Management. Bergen is represented by ICM Partners. Helberg is represented by UTA, MGMT Entertainment, and Stone, Genow, Smelkinson, Binder & Christopher. Thirlby is represented by ICM Partners, 3 Arts Entertainment, and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren & Richman LLP. Bialik is represented by Tiffany Kuzon at Mosaic, Shep Rosenman at Katz Golden Rosenman LLC, and WME.
Film Mode Entertainment is representing worldwide rights on the film.
Deadline first reported the news of the project.