Copyright Deadline
EXCLUSIVE: Ed Helms (The Hangover franchise) is set to star in and produce The English Tutor, a spy thriller from director Gaz Alazraki (Father of the Bride), to be financed and produced by the Madrid-based Zeta Studios. Michael LeSieur (I Work at Macy’s) wrote the film, described as a character-driven espionage thriller set in Mexico City. Further details as to the plot are under wraps. Producers include Helms and Mike Falbo of Pacific Electric, Jon Kanak — who reps Zeta Studios and brokered the deal — Alisa Tager of Marquina Vega, and Zeta Studios’ CEO Antonio Asensio and Head of Business Development Ignacio Díaz. The film will shoot next year — principally in Mexico City, with additional photography in Spain. For Zeta Studios — the company behind Spanish-language fare like Elite (Netflix), Olympo (Netflix), and When No One Sees Us (HBO Max) — the project emerges from an effort to expand a slate of English-language and bilingual productions bridging Hollywood’s creative talent with Spain’s production infrastructure and tax incentives. “Zeta’s vision is to create world-class films that transcend borders,” said Asensio. “The English Tutor brings together extraordinary collaborators from both sides of the Atlantic and perfectly embodies our mission to tell globally resonant stories with international reach.” Producer Kanak called the project “exactly the kind of cross-border collaboration that defines the next chapter of filmmaking.” For Pacific Electric’s part, Falbo commented, “The English Tutor represents the kind of bold storytelling we love — it’s grounded, surprising, and gives Ed the chance to show a whole new side of himself. Gaz brings a fresh, international perspective that makes the film feel both global and intimate at once.” Best known for starring in The Office and The Hangover franchise, Helms will next be seen in hockey dramedy Smude the Blades and in the comedy The Stunt Driver opposite Jay Baruchel. He is repped by UTA. One of Mexico’s most prominent filmmakers, Alazraki created and directed Netflix’s first Spanish-language original series Club de Cuervos, and also directed Warner Bros.’ Father of the Bride, which became one of HBO Max’s top-performing films of 2022. He is repped by WME and attorney Danny Passman. LeSieur is repped by Verve and Kaplan/Perrone.
