Mike Fleming

EXCLUSIVE: In a deal worth mid-six figures, Warner Bros just bought an untitled mob comedy pitch that Rodney Rothman will write with Steve Carell and Fox TV New Girl‘s Jake Johnson attached to star, and Max Winkler attached to direct. Pitch is based on an idea by Johnson and Winkler.

Project will be produced by Carell via his Carousel Productions and Rothman via his Viking Funeral shingle. Johnson and Winkler will be co-producers.

Rothman just sold a comedy pitch to Paramount with Seth Rogen and Kevin Hart, and with Judd Apatow he just produced The Five Year Engagement for Universal, his third film with director Nick Stoller and fourth for Judd Apatow. Rothman also has the comedy/horror film, The Something, set at Universal with Rogen.

Carell next stars in Seeking A Friend At The End Of The World and Hope Springs, the latter opposite Meryl Streep. Carell just wrapped The Incredible Burt Wonderstone for New Line.

Johnson is also attached, as New Girl just got renewed for a second season. He stars in the upcoming Safety Not Guaranteed, opposite Mark Duplass and Aubrey Plaza, which sold at Sundance, and was most recently in 21 Jump Street and No Strings Attached.

Winkler made his debut with Magnolia Pictures’ Ceremony, executive Produced by Jason Reitman, starring Michael Angarano, Uma Thurman and Jake Johnson for Nala Films. The film sold out of Toronto International Film Festival. Winkler co-wrote and will executive produce with Jonah Hill and Matt Spicer The Adventurers Handbook for Working Title and Universal Pictures.

Carell is repped by WME, Media Four, and Ziffren. Johnson is repped by UTA and 3 Arts. Rothman is repped by UTA, 3 Arts, and Ziffren. Winkler is repped by CAA, Principato-Young, and Jackoway Tyerman.