As reported earlier today by The Hollywood Reporter, New Line’s planned reboot of the Vacation franchise appears to be back on again, with Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Charlie Day (Horrible Bosses) both in talks for roles alongside star Ed Helms (The Hangover).
In the new movie Helms will play Rusty Griswold, son of familiar patriarch Clark (played by Chevy Chase in the original), who is now grown up and taking his own family on a summer vacation. Hemsworth will play a TV anchorman who is also the husband of Audrey Griswold, Rusty’s sister, while Day will play a river rafting tour guide. Christina Applegate (Anchorman) is already in place to play Rusty’s wife. In what will surely be good news to fans of the original, it’s also being reported that Chase and his movie spouse from the original franchise, Beverly D’Angelo, will both make cameo appearances.
While Day, who will be seen later this year in Horrible Bosses 2 and who has been on the cult favorite TV show It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia for 10 years, is a familiar face in the comedy world, for Hemsworth it will be his first time in the genre. When the Australia-born actor came to the U.S. his imposing frame and blonde locks made him a cinch for the title role in Marvel’s Thor, and he’s been acting in similarly action-heavy roles since, including Snow White and the Huntsman and Rush. Hemsworth, according to inside sources, was apparently itching to do a comedy, having just wrapped the historical drama Heart of the Sea and with the next installment of the superhero franchise, Avengers: Age of Ultron, due out next year.
The Vacation reboot will be directed by first-timers John Francis Daley and Jonathan M. Goldstein, from a script they wrote. The duo previously wrote the first Horrible Bosses, as well as The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2.