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Utah-based filmmaker Jared Hess will reteam with Jack Black on a new comedy, the Hollywood trade paper Variety reports.
In a dispatch from the Cannes Film Festival, Variety's Leo Barraclough reports today that Hess ("Napoleon Dynamite") will work with Black, the star of Hess' "Nacho Libre," on the comedy "Micronations."
The movie is inspired by the real-life phenomenon of people declaring their backyards "micronations," sovereign countries separated from the United States around them. Black's character finds himself recruited by the tiny nation of Valoria (pop: 12) as it goes into battle with the neighboring Wayne County, Nevada.
"Once I learned that there were people within the United States who have created their very own countries, I knew I had to make a movie about them," Hess said, as quoted by Variety.
"Micronations" is written by Robert Snow and Christian Magalhaes, both writers for the sitcom "New Girl." Brandt Andersen, Dave Hunter and Hess will produce under their new shingle, Buffalo Film Company. Black's company, Electric Dynamite, and Damon Ross ("Nacho Libre") will also produce.
Buffalo Film Company was also responsible for Hess' "Don Verdean," which premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and was acquired by Lionsgate. Hess' next movie, "Masterminds," will be in theaters August 7.
No word yet on whether Hess will film close to home in Utah, as he did on "Don Verdean."