Just as the 13th season ofIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiadebuts, its longtime starCharlie Dayhas signed on to make his directorial debut with the indie comedyEl Tonto, Collider has learned. Day wrote the script and will star as, per the official press release, “an idiot mute who, after getting off a bus in Los Angeles, rises through the ranks to become a beloved Hollywood celebrity, only to lose it all.”
No supporting cast has been announced, but Collider hears that Day’sAlways Sunnyco-starDanny DeVitomay take a supporting role – which wouldn’t be surprising given their hilarious chemistry onAlways Sunny– though his casting remains unconfirmed at this time.
Armory Films and Metalwork Pictures have come on board to produce and finance the film, which will begin shooting in Los Angeles next month. Armory’sChristopher LemoleandTim Zajaros(Mudbound) and Metalwork’sAndrew Levitas(Farming) will produce alongside Page Fifty-Four Pictures’Alex Saks(The Florida Project) and Wrigley Pictures’John Rickard, who worked with Day onHorrible Bosses. Endeavor Content will represent worldwide distribution rights toEl Tonto.
“We’ve been looking to do something with Charlie for a while now. The script is hilarious, incredibly original and films like this just don’t get made anymore. We’re thrilled to get in on the ground floor of his directorial career, as we believe the sky’s the limit for him," the Armory partners said in a statement.
In addition to starring onIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Day created the long-running series with his fellow executive producersRob McElhenneyandGlenn Howerton, and he also writes for the show. Day is also a co-creator and executive producer of the new comedyCool Kids, which debuts September 28th on Fox, and he’s also developing a half-hour scripted comedy for Apple with McElhenney. His feature credits include theHorrible BossesandPacific Rimfranchises, as well asVacation,Hotel Artemisand the animated filmsMonsters UniversityandThe LEGO Movie.Day is represented by WME, 3 Arts Entertainment and attorney David Weber.
Armory recently produced theShia LaBeouf-Dakota JohnsonfilmThe Peanut Butter Falcon, which is currently in post-production. Metalwork recently produced and financed another actor’s directorial debut,Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje’sFarming,whichstarsKate BeckinsaleandGugu Mbatha-Raw, and will screen at the Toronto International Film Festival.
