Film news: Rob Lowe and Keith David partner up in dark comedy ‘My New Friend Jim’

Sumerian Pictures has announced production is underway on My New Friend Jim, a darkly funny, character-driven film pairing two icons — Rob Lowe and Keith David, with Ash Avildsen in the director’s chair.

The film will pit its two leads through comedy, chaos, and redemption amid the backdrop of Reno, Nevada.

Film News Blitz’s Dan Lawrence reports on this story that aims to hit both the heart and the funny bone.

What is ‘My New Friend Jim’ about?

My New Friend Jim follows two fathers from wildly different worlds whose paths collide when they set out to find a runaway daughter. 

Director Avildsen describes it as, “a twistedly heartfelt, universal story of how far dads will go for their kids and how parenthood erases the lines we draw between classes.

“It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to find a friend in the unlikeliest place.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled with how Rob and Keith are bringing these two men, who are worlds apart but hilariously bound by circumstance, to life on screen,” Avildsen concluded.

Who are the stars of ‘My New Friend Jim’?

Lowe is a well-known figure in comedy and drama, with a career spanning decades. 

With credits stretching from St. Elmo’s Fire and The West Wing to Parks and Recreation and Netflix’s Unstable (which he co-created), Lowe is fresh off FOX’s 911: Lone Star and gearing up for The Third Parent and The Musical.

Opposite him, David is an actor with an enviable screen presence and gravitas. 

With roles in Platoon, The Thing, and They Live, plus current turns in FX’s The Lowdown and HBO Max’s Duster, David remains one of Hollywood’s most versatile and commanding character actors.

Who is ‘My New Friend Jim’ director Ash Avildsen?

Writer-director Avildsen, the son of Oscar-winner John Avildsen, continues to carve his own cinematic lane. 

A filmmaker, entrepreneur, and the creative mind behind Sumerian Entertainment, which includes Sumerian Records, Sumerian Comics and Sumerian Pictures, Avildsen has crafted a career across music, film, and TV.

Avildsen’s directing credits include American Satan, Paradise City, and Queen of the Ring.

My New Friend Jim is produced by Anthony Mastromauro (The Old Man and The Gun, Finding Steve McQueen) and Avildsen, with Brad LaFave co-producing and Paul Leighton, Angelene Tania Grode, and Lowe as executive producers.

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