Matthew Broderick, Sally Hawkins and Martin Freeman to Lead Simon Bird’s WWII Comedy Drama ‘Pretend I’m Not Here,’ Cornerstone Launching in Cannes

Simon Bird, the British comic best known for his role in “The Inbetweeners,” has lined up his second film as director following his 2019 feature debut “Days of the Bagnold Summer.”

“Pretend I’m Not Here,” described as a “compelling and comedic exploration of human relationships tested by extraordinary circumstances during WWII,” is set to star Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Matthew Broderick (“The Producers,”” No Hard Feelings”), Academy and BAFTA nominee Sally Hawkins (“The Shape of Water,” “Happy-Go-Lucky”) and BAFTA and Emmy winner Martin Freeman (“Black Panther,” “The Hobbit” franchise).

Cornerstone will launch international sales and distribution at Cannes. Cornerstone and CAA Media Finance will co-rep US rights.

“Pretend I’m Not Here,” follows an ordinary couple who offer refuge to a Jewish perfume salesman during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, where, as per the synopsis, the challenge of cohabitating with a stranger “unfolds in unexpected ways.”

The film is a Parkville Pictures and Lemming Film co-production developed with BBC Film. Cecilia Frugiuele and Olivier Kaempfer, whose previous productions include “Polite Society” and “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” and the upcoming “Lollipop” and “CC Emily,” will produce through Parkville Pictures. Lisa Owens (“Days of the Bagnold Summer” and author of novels “Not Working” and the forthcoming “Natural Disaster”) wrote the screenplay based on Hans Keilson’s acclaimed novella “Comedy in a Minor Key.” Casting was done by Des Hamilton and Jo Harris from the BAFTA-winning Des Hamilton Casting (“The King,” “Jojo Rabbit”) and will commence production later this year in the U.K. and the Netherlands.

“We couldn’t be more excited to be bringing ‘Pretend I’m Not Here’ to life with such stellar partners,” said Frugiuele and Kaempfer. “Combining Simon’s striking directorial vision, Lisa’s sharply witty and poignant screenplay, Hans Keilson’s timeless novel, and our exceptional lead cast with Matthew, Sally and Martin, we have all the ingredients for a truly special film. Pretend I’m Not Here offers a surprising take on a well-known period of history, and in doing so allows it to feel fresh and urgent, as well as both entertaining and profound.”

Added Cornerstone’s Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder: “Pretend I’m Not Here is a powerful story for our times that explores the nuances of human connection during times of crisis. With a stellar cast and Simon Bird’s unique vision, we believe this funny and subversive gem will captivate audiences and spark important conversations.”

Alongside “Days of the Bagnold Summer,” which was met with a warm response after premiering in Locarno, Bird directed the 2023 BBC/Hulu comedy series “Such Brave Girls,” which last year won the BAFTA TV Award for best scripted comedy.

Broderick is represented by CAA, Eric Kranzler at Entertainment 360 and attorney Barry Tyerman. Hawkins is represented by CAA and and attorney Jodi Peikoff and Freeman by CAA, Modern Collective in the UK, attorney Felker Toczek Suddleson McGinnis Ryan LLP) and Premier PR.