Paramount Pictures Announces New Comedy: 'Heavy Duty'

Josh Gad in a publicity photo. His comedy "Heavy Duty" was picked up by Paramount Pictures.

LOS ANGELES - Paramount Pictures today announced the comedy “Heavy Duty,” based on an original idea by Josh Gad (“FROZEN,” “THE WEDDING RINGER”). Gad will star in the film based on the script written by Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit (“1600 Penn,” “Super Fun Night”).

Disruption Entertainment’s Mary Parent and Cale Boyter will produce with Gad. Drew Pearce (“MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION,” “IRON MAN 3”) will executive produce.

“Heavy Duty,” is the story of an ordinary guy who believes losing weight will help him live a more extraordinary life. He signs up for a wellness retreat with a group of fellow underachievers, only to face an unexpected test when things go awry.

Gad's upcoming projects include Sony’s animated film “ANGRY BIRDS” and Disney’s live-action “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST.” He is attached to star opposite Will Ferrell in “RUSS & ROGER” (STX) and opposite Chadwick Boseman in the indie film “MARSHALL,” about Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.

Gad was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his role as “Elder Cunningham” in the Broadway hit “The Book of Mormon.” Gad is represented by WME Entertainment, Lighthouse Management & Media, and Ziffren Brittenham. Hernandez and Samit are represented by UTA, 3 Arts and Jackoway Tyerman.