An American Pickle


An American Pickle is an upcoming American comedy-drama film directed by Brandon Trost in his solo directorial debut and starring Seth Rogen. The film is based upon the 2013 short story "Sell Out" by Simon Rich, who also wrote the film.
It is scheduled to be released on August 6, 2020, by HBO Max; the first original film released by the streaming service.

Premise

The film follows Herschel Greenbaum, a struggling laborer who immigrates to America in 1920 with dreams of building a better life for his beloved family. One day, while working at his factory job, he falls into a vat of pickles and is brined for 100 years. The brine preserves him perfectly and when he emerges in present-day Brooklyn, he finds that he hasn’t aged a day. But when he seeks out his family, he is horrified to learn that his only surviving relative is his great-grandson, Ben Greenbaum, a mild-mannered computer programmer whom Herschel can’t even begin to understand.

Cast

Development

On May 29, 2013, it was announced that Sony Pictures had acquired the screen rights to the short story Sell Out by writer Simon Rich. Producers were set to consist of Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and James Weaver, while Rich was expected to serve as an executive producer. Production companies involved with the film were slated to include Point Grey Pictures.
On September 27, 2018, it was announced that Brandon Trost was attached to direct the film, that Rich would write the film, and that additional producers now included Alexandria McAtee.

Casting

Alongside the directing announcement, it was confirmed that the film would star Seth Rogen. On November 26, 2018, it was announced that Maya Erskine, Sarah Snook, Eliot Glazer, Kalen Allen, Molly Evensen, and Kevin O'Rourke had joined the cast of the film.

Filming

Principal photography for the film took place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from October 29 to December 22, 2018.

Release

On April 27, 2020, it was announced HBO Max had acquired distribution rights to the film from Sony Pictures. It is scheduled to be released on August 6, 2020. In the United Kingdom, it will be released theatrically the following day.