Duplass Brothers To Write & Direct Remake Of 'Same Time, Next Year'

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by Kevin Jagernauth
June 12, 2012 2:32 PM
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While making a name with their indie films, Jay and Mark Duplass have slowly been dipping their toes in studio waters. "Cyrus" was produced and released through studio shingle Fox Searchlight, and this spring's (unfairly and unjustly slept on) "Jeff, Who Lives At Home" hit theaters via Paramount Vantage. But now, they're going the whole studio hog, not only signing up with a major, but also being tasked with a remake. The brothers have truly arrived.

Deadline reports that Universal is having the Duplass duo write the script for a redo of "Same Time, Next Year" as a directing vehicle, with Walter Mirisch and Scott Rudin producing. The original 1978 film was directed by Robert Mulligan and starred Alan Alda and Ellen Burnstyn as an accountant and housewife, respectively, who have a one night stand and then meet each year to keep the relationship going. But as time goes on, things get more involved and complex for both as their feelings deepen.

While we're generally on the anti-remake train, this is kind of a perfect fit for the Duplasses who have always shown a pretty deft balance between the heartfelt and humorous. Why this is being produced by tentpole-heavy Universal is kind of baffling but perhaps this is one that will eventually filter down to Focus Features where it would make more sense. So yes, we're intrigued and if the brothers are going to make a studio movie, this is a pretty good place to start. Until then, watch the original movie below, which someone has generously/illegally put on YouTube.

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Chris | June 12, 2012 2:39 PMReply

Yes, the Duplass Bros. have indeed arrived. Now if they'd only learn how to frame a simple effing 2-shot and figure out how to use a camera without zooming every five seconds, they may really be onto something!