Akiva Schaffer to Direct Jonah Hill in The Adventurer’s Handbook

There has been a little confusion over who will direct the upcoming Jonah Hill feature, The Adventurer’s Handbook. In an article posted by the Los Angeles Times they stated that Nicholas Stoller would helm the feature, but according to /Film this was reported in error and it’s been confirmed that Akiva Schaffer will instead. Schaffer is a writer on Saturday Night Live and one-third of the musical comedy troupe, The Lonely Island along with Andy Samberg and Jorma Taccone.


The Adventurer’s Handbook stems from a screenplay that Hill and writing partner Max Winkler wrote and sold to Universal. The story was inspired by the non-fiction book written by Mick Conefrey. The film is a comedy in which a quartet of pals go on a global adventure, inspired by the hardcore stories of explorers whose tales are chronicled in Conefrey’s book. Hill and Jason Schwartzman are both signed on to star with Schaffer confirmed to direct.

Schaffer’s previous directing credits include 2007’s Hot Rod, and several SNL Digital Shorts. I can honestly say I’ve never seen Hot Rod or had a desire to, so I know nothing of his feature directing talents. Yet, I am a fan of several of his shorts, including my new personal favorite, “I’m on a Boat,” which features T-Pain. It’s my guilty pleasure.

What do you think of Akiva Schaffer directing Jonah Hill’s latest property?

From:
http://screencrave.com/2009-06-05/akiva-schaffer-to-direct-jonah-hill-in-the-adventurers-handbook/
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As explained in the Nightline interview, Akiva is directing a new movie. After a little bit of research, I found the movie. I haven't confirmed whether or not Jorma or Andy will be involved (cameos would be sweet), but this is a great opportunity for Akiva to spice up his resume and for the dudes to get another shot at a future movie (despite Hot Rod's non-success).

So the background is that Jonah Hill hosted SNL after the success of Superbad. He did the SNL skit with Andy, Andy's Dad. Akiva directed it (I think Jorma was off shooting Land of the Lost). So Jonah was obviously impressed with Akiva's skillz, and so he tapped Akiva for the director role of his new movie. Kudos to Jonah for doing that and recognizing Akiva's skills! Now I just hope Andy, Jorma, and Akiva will make cameos!

Here's the Andy's Dad SNL Digital Short that Jonah did with Andy:

Andy's Dad

Enjoy!