Josh Gad’s Chris Farley Biopic Aims for Early 2026 Shoot, Paul Walter Hauser to Star

Here’s an update on a project that many assumed might never get off the ground.

Back in April 2024, Warner Bros. and New Line acquired the rights to a Chris Farley biopic, with Josh Gad attached to direct and Paul Walter Hauser set to portray the late comedy legend.

Gad is now describing the film as a “period piece” with production costs still being finalized. He’s currently in the midst of “going through the script right now with the studio,” and anticipating a shoot in early 2026,

“It’s ambitious as hell,” Gad is telling Entertainment Weekly, adding: “We’re trying to rein in the budget a little, and the plan is still to shoot early next year.”

Gad will direct, Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber (“500 Days of Summer,” “The Disaster Artist”) penned the script which is based on the biography by Farley’s brother, Tom Farley Jr, and Tanner Colby. The Farley family have given their blessing to the project.

Farley was known for his wild physical comedy, delivering iconic SNL sketches like his “Van Down by the River” as motivational speaker Matt Foley or how about the “Chippendales” dancer skit? Farley would go on to venture in movies, starring in ’90s comedies such as “Tommy Boy”, “Black Sheep” and “Beverly Hills Ninja”. He very sadly died at a very young age, 33, from an overdose in 1997.

It’s hard not to be skeptical about the biopic, particularly with Gad making his directorial debut. Hauser faces an immense challenge capturing Farley’s physicality and charisma. But he has proven his chops with standout performances in “I, Tonya,” “Richard Jewell,” and his Emmy-winning work in Apple’s “Black Bird.” If anyone can pull it off, Hauser has the talent—but this will be a tall order.