The Weinstein Company plans to jointly release two versions of its highly anticipated film, FANBOYS, on DVD, with the company exploring options for its theatrical release.
In recent weeks, STAR WARS fans nationwide have built a multi-tiered grassroots effort to voice their strong support for one of the earlier versions of the film, including a campaign that generated more than 300,000 emails in support for the film.
Based on the tremendous feedback and interest from the fans, Weinstein will ensure both versions will be equally available.
Set in 1998, the film stars Jay Baruchel (MILLION DOLLAR BABY), Tony Award winner Dan Fogler (THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE), Sam Huntington (SUPERMAN RETURNS), Chris Marquette (SUGAR MOUNTAIN, JOAN OF ARCADIA), and Kristen Bell (VERONICA MARS, PULSE).
It's a comedy of a group of young, passionate STAR WARS fans, drive cross-country to raid George Lucas' Skywalker Ranch to watch STAR WARS: EPISODE 1 - THE PHANTOM MENACE.
"Over the last few weeks we have received a tremendous amount of input from STAR WARS fans nationwide," said Weinstein spokesman Matthew Frankel, "While the later version tested very well with audiences, the grassroots support we have received for the first version simply cannot be ignored. We are very excited to launch these two films and look forward to giving the fans the opportunity to see both versions."
FANBOYS is a production of Trigger Street and Picture Machine. Baruchel plays the role of Windows, a junk food addict who has dedicated his 150 IQ to a worthy cause: comic books. His huge window-like glasses inspired his nickname.
Fogler plays hotheaded Hutch; Huntington plays Eric, an all-business guy who is usually in a pressed suit and glued to his huge cell phone. Marquette plays Linus, a boyishly handsome, extremely charming young man and Bell plays Zoe, a sexy firecracker with a great sense of humor.
Kyle Newman directed the film, which he wrote with Adam Goldberg and Ernest Cline. Producers are Kevin Spacey, Dana Brunetti, Evan Astrowsky and Matthew Perniciaro.
Kevin Mann serves as executive producer.
