Universal is taking a bit of a gamble with Family Guy creator Seth McFarlane, as despite the fact that he’s never directed a movie before and that hard-R movies don’t tend to do massive business at the box office, they’re giving him $65 million dollars to make Ted, his feature directorial debut.
A couple of weeks ago, rumours emerged that Mark Wahlberg might be interested in the lead role in the film, and now Deadline reports that things have moved forward, with Wahlberg definitely wanting to make the movie. No deal has yet been signed, but both sides are now in active negotiations.
MacFarlane co-wrote the script the script for Ted with Family Guy cohorts Alec Sulkin and Wellesley Wild, and will also voice the teddy bear. The plot revolves around an average Boston guy who when he was young was granted his dearest wish, that his teddy bear would come to life. Year later the teddy is still his best friend, but the relationship has become strained as rather than being a sweet and nice Care Bears type creature, Ted is a carousing, irresponsible, womanising, pot-smoking slacker, who is getting in the way of his buddy committing to adulthood and the girl he loves.
It all sounds very much in keeping with MacFarlane’s style, but without the curbs on language and content that come with network TV. However Seth is fairly untried in the world of live action, so it’ll be interesting to see what he and Wahlberg come up with.