Randall Park to lead adaptation of ‘Gaps’ in directorial debut

Randall Park steps behind the camera for the first time, ready to take on the duties of directing the upcoming “Shortcomings” film.

Based on Adrian Tomine’s graphic novel, the comedy drama follows a trio of young Bay Area townspeople – Ben Tanaka, Miko Hayashi, and Alice Kim – as they navigate a range of interpersonal relationships, crossing the country looking for the perfect connection. Tomine runs the production of the film and adapts the script.

“I’m a huge fan of Adrian’s work, and I’m very happy to team up with him and Roadside Attractions on this updated, modern version of ‘Gaps’,” Park said. “In these characters, I see versions of Asian Americans in my own life – the ones I love and the ones I sort of tolerate.”

Tomine, known for his work in The New Yorker, says he initially resisted the idea of ​​adapting “Shortcomings”, fearing it might not reflect the “style and spirit” of the material.

“Randall, Roadside Attractions and Imminent Collision immediately impressed me with their passion, insight and vision for this film,” he said. “They have been invaluable partners in the process of translating the ‘gaps’ both on screen and at present, and I am honored to be a part of this collaboration.”

Roadside Attractions will produce “flaws” with Park, Michael Golamco and the impending Hieu Ho collision. The project does not have a distributor but plans to reach buyers in the coming weeks.

Producers of Roadside Attractions will include Co-Chairs Howard Cohen and Eric d’Arbeloff, Senior Vice President Jennifer Berman and Creative Director Ryan Paine, who introduced the project to the business. Ho, Golamco and Park will produce for Imminent Collision.

“With his adaptation of ‘Shortcomings’, Adrian has proven that he is not only a brilliant cartoonist, but also a talented screenwriter,” said Berman. “When Randall came to us with a vision of a true artist to tell this story in a cinematic way, it all fell into place.”

Park had previously directed the finale of the series “Fresh Off the Boat”, the ABC sitcom in which he played the role of Louis Huang. He also recently appeared in the Marvel series “WandaVision” and in the Netflix romantic comedy “Always Be My Maybe”.

Tomine is represented by UTA. Imminent Collision is represented by UTA and Myman Greenspan. Park is also managed by Artists First. Roadside Attractions is represented by Sheppard Mullin.