Kumail Nanjiani and His Wife Emily Gordon Team Up to Write ‘The Doubtful Guest’ Based on Illustrated Book
- This marks the third collaboration of the husband-wife duo after “The Big Sick” and Apple TV Plus series “Little America,” which they co-produced.
After writing their Oscar-nominated romantic comedy “The Big Sick,” Kumail Nanjiani and his wife Emily V. Gordon are teaming up to write “The Doubtful Guest,” based on the illustrated book by the late Edward Gorey. Director Andy Muschietti (“It” and “It Chapter Two”) is set to direct the film, which will also star Nanjiani.
“The Doubtful Guest” is Gorey’s third book, considered one of his most distinctive works. Originally published in 1957, the story revolves around a mysterious, mischievous creature whose unannounced and unwelcome arrival at a family’s home brings trouble and chaos.
In addition to co-writing the script, Gordon and Nanjiani are serving as executive producers. Andy and Barbara Muschietti, whose newly launched production company Double Dream is developing “The Doubtful Guest,” are producing the movie alongside Dani Bernfeld. Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment is also producing, with Jeb Brody and John Buderwitz overseeing for the company.
“The Doubtful Guest” is owned by the Edward Gorey Charitable Trust, a nonprofit that backs animal welfare causes. Trustees Eric D. Sherman and R. Andrew Boose will executive produce the film.
Following the success of “The Big Sick,” Nanjiani and Gordon re-teamed to executive produce the Apple TV Plus series “Little America.”
The couple has also maintained independent careers.
Nanjiani will next appear in the Disney+ series “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” and Marvel’s “Eternals.”
Gordon is writing the screenplay for the Netflix movie “Ball and Chain,” a superhero movie starring Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson.