Matthew Broderick, Sally Hawkins and Martin Freeman to Lead Simon Bird’s WWII Comedy Drama ‘Pretend I’m Not Here,’ Cornerstone Launching in Cannes

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Simon Bird, a popular British comedian famed for his work on “The Inbetweeners,” has secured his second directorial project after his first film, “Days of the Bagnold Summer” in 2019.

In ‘Pretend I’m Not Here,’ a captivating and humorously nuanced examination of human connections strained by extraordinary wartime events, stars Matthew Broderick (known for his work in ‘The Producers’ and ‘No Hard Feelings’), Sally Hawkins (‘The Shape of Water’ and ‘Happy-Go-Lucky’), and Martin Freeman (‘Black Panther’ and the ‘Hobbit’ series), all of whom have garnered Emmy, Golden Globe, Academy, and BAFTA nominations.”

This version aims to simplify the original by breaking it down into smaller, more digestible parts while maintaining the essence of the information.

At the Cannes event, Cornerstone is set to initiate global sales and distribution. Meanwhile, Cornerstone and CAA Media Finance will jointly manage the U.S. rights for the project.

In ‘Pretend I’m Not Here’, we follow the story of an ordinary couple who provide shelter to a Jewish perfume salesman during the Nazi occupation in the Netherlands. The plot thickens as they navigate the challenges and twists that come with sharing their home with a stranger.

The movie is a joint production between Parkville Pictures and Lemming Film, with involvement from BBC Film. Cecilia Frugiuele and Olivier Kaempfer, who have previously produced “Polite Society,” “The Miseducation of Cameron Post,” and upcoming projects like “Lollipop” and “CC Emily,” will produce this film through Parkville Pictures. Lisa Owens, known for her work on “Days of the Bagnold Summer” and author of novels such as “Not Working” and the forthcoming “Natural Disaster,” wrote the script based on the critically acclaimed novella “Comedy in a Minor Key.” Casting is being handled by Des Hamilton and Jo Harris from the BAFTA-winning Des Hamilton Casting (“The King,” “Jojo Rabbit”), and production is set to start later this year in both the United Kingdom and Netherlands.

Frugiuele and Kaempfer are thrilled to collaborate with exceptional partners in bringing ‘Pretend I’m Not Here’ to the screen. With Simon’s captivating directorial approach, Lisa’s insightful and poignant script, the timeless novel by Hans Keilson, and an outstanding cast led by Matthew, Sally, and Martin, we have all the necessary elements for a truly unique film. ‘Pretend I’m Not Here’ offers a fresh perspective on a familiar historical era, making it feel current and relevant while also being engaging and thought-provoking.

Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder from Cornerstone commented: “Pretend I’m Not Here is an engaging story for today that delves into the complexities of human relationships during crises. Featuring a talented cast and Simon Bird’s distinctive direction, we think this witty and provocative production will captivate viewers and stimulate thought-provoking discussions.”

Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder from Cornerstone said, “Pretend I’m Not Here is a gripping tale for the current era that examines the intricacies of human bonding in crisis situations. Boasting an exceptional cast and Simon Bird’s original perspective, we anticipate this humorous and challenging masterpiece will enthrall audiences and encourage meaningful debates.

Apart from “Days of the Bagnold Summer,” a film that received a favorable reception upon its premiere at Locarno, Bird also directed the 2023 BBC/Hulu comedy series “Such Brave Girls.” This series was honored with the BAFTA TV Award for best scripted comedy last year.

Broderick is managed by CAA, Eric Kranzler at Entertainment 360, and lawyer Barry Tyerman. Hawkins is also represented by CAA, Jodi Peikoff as their attorney, and Freeman is handled by CAA, Modern Collective in the UK, Felker Toczek Suddleson McGinnis Ryan LLP as their legal team, and Premier PR.

Broderick has agents at CAA, Eric Kranzler from Entertainment 360, and lawyer Barry Tyerman. Hawkins also works with CAA, Jodi Peikoff as their attorney, while Freeman is associated with CAA, Modern Collective in the UK, Felker Toczek Suddleson McGinnis Ryan LLP (their legal team), and Premier PR.

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2025-04-29 17:16