Budget Almighty

From the LA Times

In Universal Pictures' upcoming "Evan Almighty," comedian Steve Carell plays a Noah-like congressman commanded by God to hoard hundreds of animals in an ark the size of a cruise ship. In real life, the movie is taking on water. Studio executives are struggling to tame a soaring budget that will probably make the film the most expensive comedy ever. Unexpected costs for visual effects and the logistical challenges of filming hundreds of live animals have turned what was supposed to be a $140-million movie into a $160-million one that could climb as high as $175 million by the time it's finished. With marketing expenditures, the film is expected to cost at least $250 million. Although movies going over budget is common, a 25% overrun is high, even by Hollywood standards. Studios are loath to spend too much on comedies because they usually have less success with audiences abroad than do action films.

Sure, the $250M figure is crazy speculation, but even $140 is too high for this film...and I'm saying that as a Tom Shadyac fan who plans to see this film early in its release. No Jim Carey means little likelihood of making huge dollars and big risk of making Lady in the Waters numbers.

We'll have to see. All I can say is it better have the absolute funniest trailer ever.