Comedy stalwarts Kenan Thompson and Lamorne Morris are joining forces for a new action-comedy film, an eagerly anticipated adaptation of the successful QCode podcast, “Unwanted.” The original podcast, masterminded by Morris and his creative partner Kyle Shevrin, captivated audiences upon its release in 2021, swiftly climbing to the top of the fiction podcast charts. Its premise revolves around two unlikely characters whose attempt to claim a substantial reward by apprehending a convicted murderer spirals into unforeseen mayhem. This cinematic venture promises to deliver a blend of humor and high-octane sequences, bringing the beloved audio narrative to the big screen with a fresh perspective.
Production Details Unveiled for “Unwanted” Film
In an exciting development for fans of both comedy and action, the film adaptation of the popular podcast “Unwanted” is slated to begin production this summer. The project will see the acclaimed Richie Keen, known for his work on hit series like “Ghosts” and “It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” as well as the film “Fist Fight,” taking the directorial helm. Lamorne Morris and Kyle Shevrin, the creative minds behind the original podcast, have penned the screenplay and will serve as producers under their banner, 11 Below. They are joined in the producing team by Kenan Thompson and John Ryan Jr.'s Artists For Artists (AFA) company, with additional production support from Carter Swan, Billy Magnussen (who also featured in the podcast), and QCode's Rob Herting, Ben Curtis, and Nick Shanks. Jonathan Davino will serve as executive producer. The announcement was initially made by Morris during an episode of his podcast, “The Lamorning After,” where Thompson made a guest appearance, fueling anticipation for their on-screen collaboration. This dynamic duo brings a wealth of comedic talent and experience, with Morris recently seen alongside Nicolas Cage in Prime Video's live-action “Spider-Noir” series and currently engaged in the production of “Jumanji 4.” Thompson, a long-standing cast member of “Saturday Night Live” and co-host of Prime Video's “Good Sports,” recently reprised his role in “Good Burger 2” and is set to star in the upcoming horror comedy “Kenan & Kel Meet Frankenstein.” Their collective star power and proven track records in both film and television are set to make “Unwanted” a must-watch feature.
This film adaptation highlights the burgeoning trend of successful podcasts transitioning into visual media, demonstrating the rich narrative potential within the audio storytelling landscape. The involvement of seasoned comedic actors like Kenan Thompson and Lamorne Morris, coupled with a proven creative team, suggests a compelling and entertaining cinematic experience. It underscores the evolving nature of content creation and consumption, where innovative stories can originate in one format and find new life and broader audiences in another. This venture is poised to be a significant addition to the action-comedy genre, offering fresh perspectives and engaging performances that resonate with both existing fans of the podcast and new viewers alike.