The Semplica Girl Diaries: Everything We Know So Far About The Ben Stiller Comedy Adaptation

Film markets are a very interesting part of the industry. While these markets often try and promote movies that end up going nowhere, there are always a few projects announced that we hope we get to see in the future. With the European Film Market currently underway, we've been introduced to one such project, and this one may have an all-star lineup of talent attached to it.

Deadline exclusively reported that one of EFM's buzziest reveals is that of "The Semplica Girl Diaries," a feature adapted from the 2012 short story by George Saunders. Richard Ayoade is currently slated to adapt the story, marking his long-awaited return to the director's chair after 2013's criminally underappreciated "The Double." However, this is far from the most interesting aspect of this new production package. While details are still coming together as of this article's publication, here is what we can currently gather about "The Semplica Girl Diaries."

George Saunders' original story, which was published in The New Yorker, is a bizarre one to put it lightly. It follows a middle-aged narrator as he attempts to woo his daughter with a series of lavish gifts. He feels as if he is unable to compare to the wealthier fathers around him and he wants to be seen as just as rich as them, even if that means spending thousands of dollars. When he purchases a pair of garden ornaments called Semplica Girls, he thinks he and his daughter have won the gift-giving jackpot.

However, the Semplica Girls aren't as hollow or lifeless as many might expect them to be. In fact, they're young girls who have either sold themselves to or were trafficked into becoming living statues for rich, first-world households. Horrifying, right? The original story examines privilege, capitalism, and those who benefit from them exploiting developing nations. There's no doubt, then, that Ayoade's adaptation will follow through on these poignant themes.

According to the original Deadline report, Richard Ayoade is set to play Lloyd Turner, the protagonist of the film. His wife, actress Lydia Fox, is also expected to appear in "The Semplica Girl Diaries" as Lloyd's wife Sarah.

However, they're not the only names in negotiations to star in the film. Jesse Eisenberg is in talks to reunite with Ayoade after they worked together on "The Double," while Ben Stiller and Sally Hawkins are also potentially joining. The involvement of these actors is still in the planning and negotiation stages, but they all seem perfect for a weirdly contemplative movie like this. The roles they could potentially play are unknown, but we can wager a guess that they'll be playing the rich elite that Lloyd finds himself competing against.

As for the behind-the-scenes crew, Ayoade and Saunders will co-write the script of "The Semplica Girl Diaries." Tessa Ross, Juliette Howell, Amina Dasmal, and Robin C. Fox will serve as producers. It is also expected to be a Film4 production, with the company producing and co-financing. As we previously said, we certainly hope that "The Semplica Girl Diaries" manages to get a distributor and other producers to make it a reality. After all, who can resist Richard Ayoade?