Tina Fey is in negotiations to play Jason Bateman's cinematic big sis in the movie version of the book This is Where I Leave You, by Jonathan Tropper, The Hollywood Reporter said this week.
The story focuses on Judd Foxman , a radio shock-jock whose father dies, bringing together Foxman and his three grown-up siblings.
The dysfunctional family members haven't seen one another in a decade, and they've largely left their Jewish heritage behind, but they decide to honor their deceased father's wishes and follow the Jewish ritual of sitting shiva: seven days, in the house, with each other.
Sounds a little like the concept for Arrested Development, huh?
Foxman is also suffering another blow life has dealt him: His wife has been having an affair with his boss for over a year. It's recently become public, humiliating the disc jockey. And on the same day his father dies, Foxman learns his wife is pregnant.
Fey will play Bateman's older sister, "a woman who is married and whose first love now has brain damage," writes The Hollywood Reporter.
Tina Fey's prayer for her daughter>>
This Is Where I Leave You was published in 2009, and was a bestseller.
Author Tropper adapted his book into the movie script. It was reported in May 2012 that the movie version was a go with Adam Shankman directing, and Bateman, Zac Efron, Leslie Mann and Goldie Hawn vying for parts.
Looks like only Bateman hung on to that list, as now Shawn Levy is set to direct. Levy and Fey have worked together before, on the 2010 Fey/Steve Carell comedy Date Night.
Too bad Efron dropped out; he could easily be Bateman's little bro. But it's nice to know what Fey's up to post-30 Rock, whose departure has left a sad and gaping hole in our viewing schedule.