Eight Comedian Centric Films To Look Forward To From The 2024 Toronto International Film Festival

Over the last few weeks, hundreds of independent filmmakers (with their newest films) & film distributors gathered in Toronto to preview some buzzy & anticipated new films at the annual Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Most films that premiere there are looking to secure a distributor if they don’t have one already, while others like Saturday Night & Night Bitch have a distributor, released their trailer and made their debuts at the coveted film festival. In addition to those two, we’ve been keeping an eye on the films that premiered this year and there are some solid new comedy movies we’ve got our eyes on that you should know about if you don’t know already.

Among the new comedies that premiered this year include a new Ben Stiller movie (his first leading role in 7 years), two Bill Murray movies, two friend inspired films (one of which stars two comedy pros Tim Robinson & Paul Rudd) and a directorial debut from Aussie comedic actress Rebel Wilson. Until we hear about these films getting a distributor, all we really have for first looks are the synopses, the cast & crew involved & other critic reviews.

Here are eight films that premiered at TIFF this year that feature comedians & funny people in its cast & crew to look out for later this year and early next year.

Rainn Wilson & Lil Rel Howery lead Code 3, a new paramedic themed buddy-action comedy that just made its premiere at TIFF. These two leads are no strangers to the world of comedic acting given Wilson’s previous roles in Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, Juno & of course playing the iconic Dwight Schrute on the hit series The Office.

Howery is a hilarious stand-up comedian who’s had his own HBO comedy special Live In Crenshaw (check out the album on 800 Pound Gorilla) & has been making his foray into acting with roles in Free Guy, Tag, Good Boys & the Vacation Friends franchise. We await to hear who will distribute Code 3!

The official synopsis: The film follows a day-in-the-life of two overworked, underpaid and nearly burnt-out paramedics. One EMT is so burnt-out by the job that he is forcing himself to resign, though he first must embark on one last 24-hour shift to train his replacement. Everything that could happen on the job, from the mundane to the extreme, then happens on this final, exhilarating day.

Director: Christopher Leone

Cast: Rainn Wilson, Aimee Carrero, Lil Rel Howery, Page Kennedy, Rob Riggle & Yvette Nicole Brown

I Think You Should Leave star Tim Robinson & comedic acting vet Paul Rudd (known for Anchorman, The 40 Year Old Virgin & I Love You, Man to name a few) are channeling ultimate cringe comedy starring in their new film Friendship.

Since its premiere, the film has now picked up distribution from A24 so it’ll definitely be coming sooner rather than later. Daily Beast calls Friendship the “funniest film of the year,” adding that “what truly elevates Robinson’s maiden cinematic outing […] is its recognition that, at heart, his oddballs aren’t just harmless goofs—they’re unhinged psychopaths.”

The official synopsis: When an errant delivery pulls suburban dad Craig Waterman (Tim Robinson) into the orbit of his mysterious and charismatic new neighbour Austin Carmichael (Paul Rudd), a sweet bromance seems to blossom over an innocent evening of urban exploration, punk rock, and a mutual appreciation for paleolithic antiquities. But what should have been the start of a beautiful friendship is soon waylaid as Craig’s obsessive personality begins to alienate his new pal, subsequently inducing a spiral that threatens to upend Craig’s entire life.

Director: Andrew DeYoung

Cast: Tim Robinson, Paul Rudd, Kate Mara & Jack Dylan Grazer

Ben Stiller in recent memory has taken a step back from being in front of the camera for comedies like Dodgeball, Zoolander & Meet the Parents and been spending time executive producing the hit Apple TV+ drama Severance. And now, for the first time in seven years, Stiller has returned to the front of the camera to star in a new holiday family comedy Nutcrackers.

The film opened the festival this year & is directed by the same guy who directed Pineapple Express. Plus, stand-up comedian & Office Hours host Tim Heidecker (who’s special An Evening With Tim Heidecker is available on 800 Pound Gorilla) & Linda Cardellini also star, making this film an anticipated one to watch. The film’s now headed to Hulu so stay tuned for a first look at the new movie potentially hitting the streaming service this holiday season.

The official synopsis: Hotshot Chicago real estate developer Michael (Ben Stiller) never had time for family. His sister once said he was incapable of love. But when Michael’s sister and her husband have a terrible accident, their house, farm, and four boys become Michael’s responsibility. He drives out to his sister’s small Ohio town thinking all he needs to do is sign some papers and get back to the city, but it’s not nearly that simple.

Director: David Gordon Green

Cast: Ben Stiller, Linda Cardellini, Edi Patterson, Tim Heidecker, Toby Huss, Homer Janson, Ulysses Janson, Atlas Janson & Arlo Janson

One of the most interesting ensembles to come out of TIFF this year might just be this new crime comedy Riff Raff, starring Jennifer Coolidge, Pete Davidson & Bill Murray (who in addition to this film has another one included later down this list). The new film is aiming to be released in theaters in 2025 by Lionsgate and has critics like Deadline calling it a “wildly entertaining dysfunctional family crime comedy.”

The official synopsis: One-time criminal Vince (Ed Harris) turned his life around when he fell in love with Sandy (Gabrielle Union). Nearly 20 years later, the still-happy couple are looking forward to spending a quiet New Year’s Eve in their country home with their good-natured son, DJ (Miles J. Harvey). Then Vince’s other son, Rocco (Lewis Pullman), shows up unannounced with his pregnant girlfriend, Marina (Emanuela Postacchini), and Vince’s first wife, Ruth (Jennifer Coolidge), in tow. It is not a happy reunion. Ruth is rude, lewd, and randy, while Rocco — who never divested himself of the family business — is clearly hiding something sinister. Hot on Rocco’s tail is Lefty (Bill Murray), an aging mafioso with a score to settle regarding his own son. When Lefty catches up with Vince’s teeming clan, it seems likely that blood ties will yield blood spilled.

Director: Dito Montiel

Cast: Jennifer Coolidge, Ed Harris, Gabrielle Union, Lewis Pullman, Miles J. Harvey, Emanuela Postacchini, Michael Angelo Covino, Pete Davidson & Bill Murray

Pitch Perfect, Bridesmaids & Jojo Rabbit star & Aussie comedic actress Rebel Wilson is stepping into the director’s seat for her starring & directorial debut with her musical comedy The Deb. The new film following its premiere this past week at TIFF currently sits at an 82% on Rotten Tomatoes & awaits a distributor, likely coming out in 2025.

The official synopsis: Maeve (Charlotte MacInnes) is queen bee at her exclusive private school in the city. But when one of her misguided crusades provokes outrage, she gets not only disciplined by the school but #cancelled by her peers. Mom sends Maeve off to stay with her country cousin in a dusty, Outback town called Dunburn. Taylah (Natalie Abbott) is the exact opposite of a queen bee. Not only does she lack Maeve’s privilege, she’s unschooled in her cousin’s newfound progressiveness. “I think I might be the feminist voice of my generation,” Maeve confesses in all seriousness.

Director: Rebel Wilson

Cast: Rebel Wilson, Shane Jacobson, Tara Morice, Natalie Abbott, Charlotte MacInnes, Julian McMahon, Hal Cumpston, Stevie Jean, Costa d'Angelo, Steph Tisdell, Scarlett Crabtree & Susan Prior

Get ready to see comedy icon Bill Murray on silver screen some more soon cause the Ghostbuster & revered Saturday Night Live alum is lending his acting chops in the upcoming dramedy, The Friend, starring opposite Academy Award nominee Naomi Watts. This isn’t Murray’s first foray into dramatic acting as he’s also starred in hits like Lost In Translation & On The Rocks. The film had its US premiere at Telluride like Saturday Night & had its international premiere at TIFF which is currently awaiting distribution.

The official synopsis: Iris (Naomi Watts) has had a long, complex friendship with Walter (Bill Murray). Walter is an irresistible charmer, a brilliant author, a lover of many women, and a master at letting down loved ones. When he dies suddenly, Iris is left to deal with all he left behind — three ex-wives with unfinished business, his interrupted literary legacy, and his beloved beast Apollo (Bing). It's not that Iris doesn't like dogs, but this is Manhattan, and she’ll get kicked out of her building if they find out she’s pretty much trying to house a horse.

Director: David Siegel & Scott McGehee

Cast: Naomi Watts, Bill Murray, Sarah Pidgeon, Carla Gugino, Constance Wu, Noma Dumezweni, Ann Dowd, Felix Solis, Owen Teague & Bing

Comedian & Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein is a man of many talents that extend beyond the comedy world. In addition to writing for the aforementioned show as well as the hit dark comedy series Shrinking, he also wrote & stars in his newest film, a romance drama called All Of You. Since its debut at TIFF, the film has been lauded with “more heart than expected” by The Wrap, “full of sparks” by Collider & sits at an impressive 85% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is currently awaiting distribution.

The official synopsis: It’s a recognizable near-future, Simon (Brett Goldstein) accompanies his best friend, Laura (Imogen Poots), as she takes a new test guaranteeing to match anyone with their soulmate. As Laura hurtles towards milestones with her new man, Simon begins to understand how deeply he cares about her, even if he’s not ready to accept it.

Director: William Bridges

Cast: Brett Goldstein, Imogen Poots, Steven Cree & Zawe Ashton

English comedian & actor Steve Coogan, who previously starred in hit comedies Hot Fuzz, the Night at the Museum franchise, & The Other Guys among others, stars in a new dramedy full of dark humor sharing the screen with an animal with Happy Feet called The Penguin Lessons.

The official synopsis: The year is 1976. Tom (Steve Coogan) lands in Buenos Aires to take up a teaching position at a prestigious English boarding school. The city is in the midst of political violence, but the headmaster (Oscar nominee Jonathan Pryce) insists his school simply keep calm and carry on. That suits Tom just fine. When a coup d’état shuts down the school, he hops next door to Uruguay to party. A romantic foray leads to a walk along the beach, which leads to the sight of a penguin drenched in oil from a spill. Against his better judgment, Tom rescues the bird, which unlocks its undying loyalty. He's forced to sneak the flightless beast back to Argentina, and thus begins a strange and beautiful friendship.

Director: Peter Cattaneo

Cast: Steve Coogan, Jonathan Pryce, Vivian El Jaber, Björn Gustafsson, Alfonsina Carrocio & David Herrero