EXCLUSIVE: Paramount Pictures has tapped Scotty Landes (The Machine) to script Thicc, a new comedy based on Matthew Schneier’s 2019 New York Magazine article, “At the Russian Baths With the Big Boys of Brawn.”
The film follows an offensive lineman who, after seeing a career-ending injury cut his professional football dreams short, finds unexpected fame and fortune in the world of brawny male modeling. Todd Garner will produce via Broken Road Productions alongside Scoop Wasserstein via New York Magazine/Vox Media Studios.
Schneier’s article explores the rise and success of IMG Models’ Brawn division, which focuses on plus-size male models, a groundbreaking initiative in an industry traditionally dominated by slimmer figures. Zach Miko, the division’s first recruit, highlights his journey from being mistaken for an electrician to becoming a sought-after model earning six figures. Despite initial skepticism, the division has flourished, reflecting a broader societal shift towards body positivity and inclusivity. Miko and his colleagues, now a supportive fraternity, are breaking new ground, securing major bookings, and challenging industry norms, although luxury brands have yet to fully embrace them.
Most recently, Landes co-wrote The Machine, Legendary and Screen Gems’ action comedy tailored as a vehicle for comedian Bert Kreisher, whose famous stand-up tale of the same name chronicles his run-in with the Russian mob during his college years. Previously, he’s written for comedy series like Adam Devine’s House Party, Workaholics, and Sacha Baron Cohen’s Who Is America?, also writing Universal/Blumhouse’s psychological horror film Ma starring Octavia Spencer.
Currently, Garner is developing Isn’t It Scary, a sequel to New Line’s rom-com Isn’t It Romantic starring Rebel Wilson, as well as What Kids Want, a follow-up to the high concept comedies What Women Want and What Men Want for Paramount Pictures. His comedy Incoming from filmmakers Dave and John Chernin debuts globally on Netflix on August 23, with his sequel to 2021’s Mortal Kombat to hit theaters via Warner Bros on October 24, 2025.
Previously, Wasserstein produced Focus Features’ crime thriller The Outfit, starring Mark Rylance. Additionally, he’s served as executive producer of projects like Netflix’s chilling true crime docuseries Worst Roommate Ever, Netflix’s The Watcher, and Shudder’s folk horror pic The Last Thing Mary Saw, among others.
Landes is represented by CAA, Sugar23, and David Matlof at Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum.
