'Evan Almighty' and Carell scrutinized for runaway costs

By Stone Martindale Oct 10, 2006, 0:25 GMT

06/03/2006 - Steve Carell - 2006 MTV Movie Awards - Press Room - Sony Pictures Studios - Culver City, CA © Glenn Harris / Photorazzi

Hot comedic actor Steve Carell has the lead role in the spin-off to "Bruce Almighty." However, according to today's Los Angeles Times,  The 40 Year Old Virgin star's next big screen feature for Universal, Evan Almighty, is way over budget and on track to be the most expensive comedy ever made.

According to the LA Times:

"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. On an expensive movie, Hollywood relies on international box office to make its money back.

"At $175 million, Evan would hold the dubious honor of being the most expensive comedy ever. Evan will surpass such other visual effects comedies as Wild, Wild West at $170 million, followed by Men in Black II at $140 million.

"The cost overruns on Evan prompted the movie's profit participants, who take a certain percentage off the first dollar made by the studio at the box office, to adjust their deals. They will not start collecting their take until the studio recoups its production and marketing costs.

"Originally, Universal hoped to co-finance Evan Almighty with Sony Pictures Entertainment, which considered distributing the film abroad. However, after analyzing the numbers, Sony passed after determining that it would be difficult to make money given the budget and profit participation deals, according to a studio source.

"Evan comes amid a challenging year for Universal. Miami Vice, which cost at least $135 million, sank at the box office. Its latest releases, the murder mystery The Black Dahlia and the musical Idlewild, also flopped."