We have learned that a feature film adaption of Susan Trott’s novel, Flamingo Thief is in the works with Ken Jeong and Randall Park in talks to star.
Word of a feature film adaption of this novel first came around in 2012, however, it was a much different adaption with Will Ferrell starring in the lead role, Michael LeSieur writing the screenplay and Ben Stiller producing through his production company, Red Hour Films.
Since then, things have drastically changed and it has been recently reported that John Lee will be directing the movie. He recently directed False Positive for A24, although the plot for the film isn’t currently public, it stars big names such as Pierce Brosnan, Sophia Bush, and Justin Theroux. He also directed Pee-wee’s Big Holiday in 2016 for Netflix.
As far as we know, Michael LeSieur is still attached to write the screenplay. Given that he has been attached since 2012, things may have changed. LeSieur is known for writing the screenplays for You, Me and Dupree, The Maiden Heist, Keeping Up With The Joneses, and the recent animated remake of The Grinch.
Erica Steinberg will produce through her production company, 42mp. She has produced multiple Tarantino films including both Kill Bill films, Grindhouse, and Inglorious Bastards. She is also producing two of Netflix’s upcoming film ventures, Night Teeth and Outside The Wire. It is currently unknown who will distribute the film.
Susan Trott’s Flamingo Theif novel follows an entrepreneur, Tim Forester, who just lost his son a year prior. It starts with him quietly pocketing a china flamingo belonging to his three-year-old niece and by his tenth flamingo, he has escalated to felony grand theft. Though he is losing both his business and his wife, his heart beast faster thanks to flamingo thieving.
Randall Park will play the role of Tim Forester (sources say the surname may be changed to Han) and Ken Jeong will play his brother, George. Ken Jeong and Randall Park have known each other for years but have not teamed up together in many projects. That being said, Ken Jeong and Randall Park did play brothers in ABC’s comedy, Fresh Off The Boat.
With the COVID-19 pandemic going on, it’s unclear to say when the movie will begin production, but hopefully soon because this movie sounds heartwarming and fantastic. Randall Park and Ken Jeong are both brilliant comedic actors and we are confident that they can provide heartwarming and emotional performances in this bittersweet tale of grief. The Flamingo Thief sounds like something that many of us could escape into right now.
More updates coming soon…
