Better Nate Than Ever (film)
Better Nate Than Ever | |
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Directed by | Tim Federle |
Written by | Tim Federle |
Based on | Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle |
Produced by |
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Starring |
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Edited by | Katie McQuerrey |
Music by | Gabriel Mann |
Production companies | |
Distributed by | Disney+ |
Release dates |
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Country | United States |
Language | English |
Better Nate Than Ever is an upcoming American musical family-comedy film written and directed by Tim Federle, based on his 2013 novel of the same name. Described as a coming-of-age story involving musical theater and Broadway, the story centers on the titular Nate Foster. Lisa Kudrow and Norbert Leo Butz serve in supporting cast roles.
Better Nate Than Ever had its world premiere at the El Capitan Theatre on March 15, 2022, and is set to be released as a Disney+ original film on April 1, 2022.[1]
Synopsis[]
Nate Foster, an unpopular 13-year-old from Pittsburgh, has a goal of one day becoming a Broadway musical star. When Nate is repeatedly overlooked, and never cast in the lead roles he deserves, he and his best friend Libby, sneak away to pursue their life's dreams in the Big Apple. A random encounter with his estranged aunt Heidi, turns their adventure upside-down. Only together can they make their dreams come true.[2]
Cast[]
- Rueby Wood as Nate Foster
- Joshua Bassett as Anthony Foster, Nate’s older brother
- Aria Brooks as Libby, a theater kid
- Lisa Kudrow as Aunt Heidi[2]
- Norbert Leo Butz[3]
Production[]
Development[]
In January 2021, The Walt Disney Company had an open casting-call for a film adaptation of Better Nate Than Ever.[4] By March of the same year, it was announced that the film had officially been green-lit, with production scheduled to take place in New York City. The project entered pre-production under the working title Pittsburgh. Tim Federle, author of the original novel series on which the film is based, will serve as writer/director. Marc Platt and Adam Siegel will serve as producers. The movie is intended to be a Disney+ original film.
In June 2021, Lisa Kudrow joined the cast as Nate's aunt Heidi. Primary characters Nate and Libby were also cast, albeit with as-of-yet unnamed actors in the roles. The project will be a joint-venture production between Walt Disney Pictures and Marc Platt Productions.[2][5][6][7] By August of the same year, Norbert Leo Butz joined the cast in a supporting role.[3]
On November 12, 2021, it was announced that Rueby Wood was cast as the main character, Nate Foster. In addition, Joshua Bassett and Aria Brooks were revealed to play Nate’s older brother, Anthony Foster and Libby, a fellow theater kid who sneaks off to New York City with Nate.[8]
Federle said that adapting a book he wrote allowed him to make several changes while being faithful to the source material, such as expanding the roles of Libby and Anthony.[1] Due to the film being a Disney production, he chose to change the musical Nate auditions for from a fictional version of the 1982 Steven Spielberg science fiction family film E.T. the Extraterrestrial to a fictional musical version of the 2002 animated Disney film Lilo & Stitch.[1]
Filming[]
Principal photography commenced in New York City, in June 2021.[2][9] Some scenes were also filmed at Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, New York that same month.[10][11] Filming also took place in the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City.[1]
Release[]
Better Nate Than Ever is to be released exclusively on Disney+ on April 1, 2022.[1]
References[]
- ^ a b c d e Bucksbaum, Sydney (February 25, 2022). "First look at Disney+ musical 'Better Nate Than Ever' features full-circle 'HSMTMTS' reunion". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved February 25, 2022.
- ^ a b c d Wiseman, Andreas (June 8, 2021). "Lisa Kudrow Set For Disney+ Comedy 'Better Nate Than Ever' From Producer Marc Platt, Cameras Roll In NY". Deadline. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
- ^ a b Petski, Denise (August 27, 2021). "'The Girl From Plainville': Norbert Leo Butz Joins Elle Fanning, Colton Ryan & Chloë Sevigny In Hulu Series". Deadline. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
- ^ Lang, Emily (January 24, 2021). ""Casting Call for 'Better Nat Than Ever', Julian Lerner cast in AMC's 'Pantheon', and Much More!". Kids on Tour. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
- ^ "Lisa Kudrow Cast in Better Nate Than Ever Film Adaptation". ComingSoon.net. June 8, 2021. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
- ^ YE Magazine Staff (June 1, 2021). "Better Nate Than Ever Premiering as Disney+ Original Movie". Young Entertainment Magazine. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
- ^ Harms, Talaura (September 25, 2021). "Lisa Kudrow Cast in Film Adaptation of Better Nate Than Ever". Playbill. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (November 12, 2021). "Rueby Wood, Aria Brooks & Joshua Bassett To Star Opposite Lisa Kudrow In Disney+ Film 'Better Nate Than Ever'". Deadline. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
- ^ Schuster, Nikki (June 16, 2021). "Phoebe Who? Lisa Kudrow Transforms For Upcoming 'Better Nate Than Ever' Film — Photos Of The 'Friends' Alum On Set In NYC". OK! Magazine. Retrieved September 25, 2021.
- ^ "On Location Vacations - Friday June 25". On Location Vacations. June 25, 2021. Archived from the original on July 7, 2021. Retrieved December 17, 2021.
- ^ Visit Westchester County NY. "Filmed in Westchester". Visit Westchester County NY. Retrieved March 6, 2022.
External links[]
- 2022 films
- English-language films
- Upcoming films
- 2022 comedy films
- 2020s children's comedy films
- 2020s coming-of-age comedy films
- 2020s English-language films
- 2020s musical comedy films
- American films
- American children's comedy films
- American children's musical films
- American coming-of-age comedy films
- American musical comedy films
- Disney+ original films
- Films about musical theatre
- Films based on American novels
- Films based on young adult literature
- Films produced by Marc E. Platt
- Films set in New York City
- Films set in Pittsburgh
- Films shot in New York City
- Upcoming English-language films
- Walt Disney Pictures films