Arteta's rising for 'Revolt'

By Gregg Goldstein and Borys Kit

Feb 7, 2008, ET

Miguel Arteta is in final negotiations to direct "Superbad" star Michael Cera in the Dimension Films comedy "Youth in Revolt."

In what likely will be Arteta's first feature in six years, Cera will play Nick Twisp, a smart, sexually obsessed teen living in a world of moronic adults. The project, produced by David Permut ("Charlie Bartlett"), is based on C.D. Payne's self-published novel.

"Youth in Revolt" became a worldwide cult hit, spawning sequels, a play and numerous Web site tributes. Gustin Nash adapted the book for the screen.

The film will be Arteta's first shot at a breakout teen comedy, but his indie films share the novel's offbeat sensibility. His 1997 debut, "Star Maps," followed a young Hollywood street hustler, and his 2000 black comedy, "Chuck and Buck," took a twisted look at a man's undying obsession with a childhood friend.

Arteta's most recent feature was the 2002 comedy drama "The Good Girl," starring Jennifer Aniston as a small-town woman in a dead-end job.

Permut Presentations vp production Steve Longi will co-produce "Youth in Revolt" along with Miranda Freiberg. The adaptation will be a co-production between Permut and Shangri-La Entertainment.

Arteta is repped by WMA and attorney Linda Lichter of Lichter, Grossman, Nichols & Adler.

Gregg Goldstein reported from New York; Borys Kit reported from Berlin.

Arteta's rising for 'Revolt'

By Gregg Goldstein and Borys Kit

Feb 7, 2008, ET