Announced earlier this year, David E. Talbert and Will Packer have teamed up on holiday-themed comedy set up at Universal Pictures, titled "A Meyers Thanksgiving," which Talbert will write and direct, with Packer producing.
Now titled "A Meyers Christmas," the film tells the story about an estranged family brought together, after the death of the family matriarch, for their first Thanksgiving. The project continues to build its cast, today adding Kimberly Elise, who joins Jessie Usher, Gabrielle Union and Danny Glover, who were previously cast in the film.
A 2016 holiday release date is eyed.
Elise can next be seen on the small screen in VH1’s hit scripted series “Hit The Floor,” which returns for a third season in January, 2016.
Talbert was previously attached to script (but not direct) fellow author Cheryl Jarvis’ 2008 novel, "The Necklace," for Fox Searchlight, which was announced in late 2013, after the debut of his last directorial effort, the rom-com "Baggage Claim," which starred Paula Patton, and was also released by Fox Searchlight.
As for Packer, the super producer and hit-maker, in addition to his film work, has sold a number of TV projects to NBC and ABC, after also inking a first-look deal with Universal, via his Will Packer Productions banner. After this summer’s mega-success, Universal Pictures’ F. Gary Gray-directed N.W.A biopic, "Straight Outta Compton.," which Packer exec produced, he’s suiting up for "Ride Along 2" which will be out early next year. He’s also executive producing the upcoming "Roots" remake for A+E Networks, and prepping a TV series based on "Think Like a Man."
Deadline was first to report the news of Elise’s casting today.