Jason Schwartzman cast in HBO pilot

Playing lead in comedy 'Bored,' written by Jonathan Ames

By Nellie Andreeva

June 30, 2008, 01:00 AM ET

Jason Schwartzman has been tapped as the lead in HBO's comedy pilot "Bored to Death," lifting the contingency on the project.

The Jonathan Ames-penned "Bored" centers on Jonathan (Schwartzman), a struggling thirtysomething writer with a drinking problem in Brooklyn who, following a painful breakup with his girlfriend, decides to emulate his heroes from the novels of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett. He takes out an ad pretending to be a private detective and starts taking cases -- solving some and making others worse.

Production on "Bored" is slated for September in New York. Ames is exec producing with Dave Becky, Sarah Condon and Stephanie Davis, with Seth Gordon serving as consultant.

Also in September, Schwartzman will begin filming Judd Apatow's "Funny People" opposite Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen and Eric Bana.

"Bored" is one of two pilots greenlighted by new HBO entertainment president Sue Naegle; the other is the Alexander Payne-directed dark comedy "Hung," which is casting the lead.

Schwartzman is repped by Endeavor and attorney Warren Dern.

Jason Schwartzman cast in HBO pilot

Playing lead in comedy 'Bored,' written by Jonathan Ames

By Nellie Andreeva

June 30, 2008, 01:00 AM ET