News > Gyllenhaal to Replace Collette in Mendes Comedy

Sam Mendes has replaced Toni Collette with Maggie Gyllenhaal for his untitled relationship comedy currently shooting in Connecticut. The film, written by Dave Eggers and Vendela Vida, follows a young couple preparing to have a baby (played by John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph) and traveling around the U.S. in search of the right place to raise a family. Variety reports that Gyllenhaal will play "a bohemian college professor who is an old friend of the character played by Krasinski." Collette supposedly had an issue with the "scheduling delays" going on with the production.

I think this worked out nicely for the movie overall. Collette is a fine actress but Gyllenhaal is closer to Krasinski's age, more interesting as a performer, and seems like she would have more draw for audiences. Well, if nothing else, young male hipsters will be 37% more likely to see the film now. So that's money in the bank.

-David Morgan