Matthew Broderick, Sally Hawkins & Martin Freeman Set For Simon Bird Comedy ‘Pretend I’m Not Here’ 

Matthew Broderick, Sally Hawkins, and Martin Freeman have signed on to Simon Bird’s latest feature, Pretend I’m Not Here. 

The film is described as a “compelling and comedic exploration of human relationships tested by extraordinary circumstances during WWII.” Cornerstone will launch international sales and distribution at Cannes. Cornerstone and CAA Media Finance will co-rep US rights.

The film’s synopsis reads: An ordinary couple offer refuge to a Jewish perfume salesman during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, where the challenge of cohabitating with a stranger unfolds in unexpected ways.

Bird is best known for his role in the cult British comedy The Inbetweeners. As a director, his credits include Such Brave Girls and Days of the Bagnold Summer.

Pretend I’m Not Here is a Parkville Pictures and Lemming Film co-production developed with BBC Film. Cecilia Frugiuele and Olivier Kaempfer, whose previous productions include Polite Society, The Miseducation of Cameron Post, and the upcoming Lollipop and CC Emily, will produce through Parkville Pictures. 

Lisa Owens (Days of the Bagnold Summer) wrote the screenplay based on Hans Keilson’s novella Comedy in a Minor Key. Production will begin later this year in the UK and the Netherlands.

Cornerstone’s Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder said in a statement: “Pretend I’m Not Here is a powerful story for our times that explores the nuances of human connection during times of crisis. With a stellar cast and Simon Bird’s unique vision, we believe this funny and subversive gem will captivate audiences and spark important conversations.”

Broderick is represented by CAA, Eric Kranzler at Entertainment 360, and attorney Barry Tyerman. Hawkins is represented by CAA and attorney Jodi Peikoff. Freeman is with CAA, Modern Collective in the UK, attorney Felker Toczek Suddleson McGinnis Ryan LLP, and Premier PR.