by: S. Scott Stanikmas

 A trio of 2015 breakouts are teaming up for an interesting project.

Bill Hader (of the box-office smash comedy Trainwreck) is signed on to join Jesse Andrews’ (author of the book Me and Earl And The Dying Girl, which was made into one of this year’s most well received films) directorial debut, the indie drama/comedy Empress Of Serenity, based on the David Foster Wallace (the subject of the critically acclaimed The End Of The Tour) essay A Supposedly Fun Thing I’ll Never Do Again.

The original essay appeared in Harper’s in 1996 under the original title “Shipping Out.” and then republished under the longer title as the centerpiece of Wallace’s 1997 essay collection. The story recounts Wallace’s experience on a seven night cruise. In his typical fashion the story meanders into many directions.

Andrews will write his own script based on his own interpretation of the essay. Hader will play a man who goes on a cruise to bond with his father while his dad helps him deal with his intimacy issues.

This seems like a supercard of talent lined up for what sounds like a very interesting film. If it’s done right though, Hader will bring the chops he showcased in The Skeleton Twins, another cinematic success. The film could also launch Andrews, mostly known for his young adult writing, into a whole different career path.

Shooting on Empress of Serenity is set to start this spring on the Pacific Ocean. No release date was mentioned at the time.