Alex Kurtzman, well-known for his work co-writing Transformers, Star Trek, Cowboys & Aliens, and Fringe (which he also co-created), is making his feature directorial debut with People Like Us, until recently titled Welcome to People.
The first trailer has debuted online, and it’s pretty excellent. Kurtzman has assembled a brilliant cast, headed up by Chris Pine and Elizabeth Banks in the leads, supported by Olivia Wilde, Jon Favreau, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Philip Baker Hall.
“From DreamWorks Pictures comes ‘People Like Us,’ a drama/comedy about family, inspired by true events, starring Chris Pine (‘Star Trek’) as Sam, a twenty-something, fast-talking salesman, whose latest deal collapses on the day he learns that his father has suddenly died. Against his wishes, Sam is called home, where he must put his father’s estate in order and reconnect with his estranged family. In the course of fulfilling his father’s last wishes, Sam uncovers a startling secret that turns his entire world upside down: He has a 30-year-old sister Frankie whom he never knew about (Elizabeth Banks). As their relationship develops, Sam is forced to rethink everything he thought he knew about this family–and re-examine his own life choices in the process.”
Kurtzman has co-written the script with frequent collaborator Roberto Orci (Transformers, Star Trek), along with Jody Lambert, who makes her screenwriting debut.
The film is clearly coming from a different direction to the blockbusters we’ve seen from Kurtzman’s pen over the years, and judging by this first trailer, he’s made a great transition to sitting behind the camera too. And it’s always nice to see past collaborators working together, having worked with Pine on Star Trek and both Favreau and Wilde on Cowboys & Aliens.
People Like Us is set to be released in the US on 29th June, and though no release is scheduled for the UK yet, given the prominence of everyone involved with the project, I’m sure it’s just a matter of time. For now, the great first trailer for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy.
[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GLP9xxS2r4′]
Source: MovieFone had this first.
