Upgrade is launching international sales in Cannes on comedy The Escort from Wedding Crashers and Shanghai Knights helmer David Dobkin, and starring in-demand stand-up comedian Matt Rife.
Written by Justin Adler with revisions by David Dobkin, the Black List script is a character-driven feature that follows “a reckless, flirtatious flight attendant on the brink of losing everything, who is unexpectedly tasked with minding a neurotic 14-year-old on his solo flight to boarding school. When a hurricane diverts their flight and strands them in the wrong city, the two opposites embark on a disastrous road trip that forces them to confront their fears, flaws, and what it really means to grow up.”
Pic will be produced by Tom McNulty (Spectacular Now), Megan Wolpert Dobkin (Untitled Will Ferrell Esports Comedy, Maroon 5’s Girls Like You & Sugar), Christina Shams (Rolling Loud), and Matt Rife.
Rife has cemented himself as one of the biggest stand ups in the world through his chart-topping Netflix specials and big engagement on social where he has amassed more than 42 million followers, and more than 3 billion views globally. He’s currently selling out his biggest tour to-date with his Matt Rife: Stay Golden Tour, which includes two shows at Madison Square Garden in NYC. He recently signed on for a second world tour with Live Nation and a feature film, Rolling Loud, an R-rated comedy co-starring Owen Wilson.
Said David Dobkin: “Everyone needs to laugh and connect right now. When I saw Matt Rife for the first time online I knew I wanted to work with him. A year later I got to see him headline the Hollywood Bowl and he brought that place to its knees. The next morning I started looking for the right piece of material to bring his energy and magic to the screen. The Escort is that movie.”
Commented Rife: “I’m so excited to work with David Dobkin, who’s directed some of my favorite movies growing up. I think the two of us can bring back on-screen comedies!”
