Dec. 08--James Franco has cast stand-up comedian Hannibal Buress in his latest directorial effort, "The Disaster Artist," which is currently filming.
The movie is based on the book of the same name, which chronicles the making of the notoriously awful 2003 cult film "The Room" (which screens on a regular basis at the Music Box Theatre), with Franco also starring as the deeply eccentric filmmaker Tommy Wiseau.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Buress (a Chicago native) will play Bill Meur, "the owner of the stage Tommy rents for his movie."
The cast also includes Seth Rogen, "Hunger Games" co-star Josh Hutcherson and Franco's younger brother Dave.
nmetz@tribpub.com
