Universal has landed the Christmas comedy package for Naughty, which is set to be directed by Olivia Wilde and is based on a script by Jimmy Warden.
Warden will continue writing the screenplay for Universal, while producing along with Wilde on the project. There is no word on casting, but the synopsis from Universal points to a mother, Mallory, whose only hope of securing custody of her son from her gaslighting trash-bag ex is to find Santa Claus and convince him to testify in her divorce hearing.
Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Josey McNamara will produce through the LuckyChap banner after their success with Barbie. Wilde most recently directed, starred in and produced Don’t Worry Darling, which went on to earn around $90 million worldwide.
Don’t Worry Darling also starred Florence Pugh and Harry Styles and premiered at the Venice Film Festival, where it dominated media attention.
Wilde, whose debut film was Booksmart, is attached to direct and executive produce a limited series adaptation of the A Visit From the Goon Squad novel and its sequel The Candy House for A24. Screenwriter Warden penned the theatrical release Cocaine Bear, which was sold as an original spec to Universal and then produced by Lord/Miller and directed by Elizabeth Banks.
Warden made his feature directorial debut with the upcoming Borderline project, which he also wrote with Lucky Chap, Red A and Brian Duffield producing. Wilde is represented by CAA, Narrative and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.
Warden is repped by CAA, Grandview, SSML and Ziffren Brittenham. LuckyChap is represented by Entertainment 360, CAA, Narrative and attorney Jeff Bernstein.
