Cate Blanchett In, Greta Gerwig Out For Noah Baumbach's 'While We're Young'

by Kevin Jagernauth
December 23, 2010 7:54 AM
7 Comments

Filming Begins Next Summer

While we'll always long for the never-made version of "Greenberg" with Mark Ruffalo and Amy Adams, the fact that Ben Stillerand Noah Baumbach are now total besties means that financing probably comes much, much easier for the indie auteur, and if that means he gets more films greenlit, then who are we to complain? It was with much excitement that reports broke earlier in the month that Baumbach was quickly gearing up another film, "While We're Young," a relationship film (shock!) with Ben Stiller and James Franco set to star, and with offers out to both Cate Blanchett and Greta Gerwig. And while we love both actresses, it looks like only one of them will make it to the set.

Anne Thompson recently caught up with super-producer Scott Rudin, and he chatted with her about the multitude of projects on his ever busy slate and cleared up the actress casting on "While We're Young." Indie darling Greta Gerwig unfortunately won't be reteaming with Baumbach due to unspecified scheduling issues, but Cate Blanchett (in what we think is a fantastic bit of casting) will indeed be joining the film. Though financing and distribution are still being finalized, the plan is to shoot the film next summer.

Details are being kept tight on the plot but what we know so far is that it will follow “a free-spirited Brooklynite twenty-something couple (Franco — and at a yet to be cast actress) who inspires an uptight documentarian (Stiller) and his wife (Blanchett) to loosen up — with comedic consequences.”

While "Greenberg" split the staff here at The Playlist, we're big fans of Baumbach. And while the picture does seem to fit in an overly familiar wheelhouse for the director, we're intrigued to see just how much (or not) his recent split from longtime partner Jennifer Jason Leigh (who was originally slated to play the Blanchett role) will inform the script.

More: Films, Actors, Actresses, Noah Baumbach, While We're Young, Ben Stiller, James Franco, Greta Gerwig, Cate Blanchett

7 Comments

| Reply
mark | November 11, 2011 10:27 AMReply

So so sad that he's 'besties' with Ben Stiller. Why does the phrase 'sell out!' ring in my ears?

Perhaps it's the rewrite on TOWER HEIST, one of the worst movies this year.

I long for the Chris Eigeman, Eric Stolz, Josh Hamilton days of yore.

Back when he was funny!
Paolo | December 27, 2010 4:52 AMReply

Since when did Greta Gerwig have better things to do than be in a mumblecore film? And that Cate Blanchett has to step in, not that I mind?
Alex | December 24, 2010 6:14 AMReply

My guess is Amy Adams will replace Greta Gerwig - though Isla Fisher would probably be better. Rose Byrne is another option.
Nick | December 24, 2010 12:38 AMReply

Did you have to desaturate the photo of Gerwig so she looks like a vampire?

(Looking forward to film, blah blah, Greenberg is great, etc.)
rodie | December 23, 2010 10:05 AMReply

Major upgrade! Blanchett is amazing and Gerwig ain't all that great.
in the morning | December 23, 2010 9:57 AMReply

did noah baumbech hump greta gerwig??? i think that's why JJL divorced him and greta dropped out of his movie.
Mike_M | December 23, 2010 8:17 AMReply

Man that is a horrible pic of Greta Gerwig...