Dax Shepard’s ‘CHiPs’ Movie Adds Kristen Bell and Adam Brody
In a move that’s not entirely surprising but should add a little extra appeal to the upcoming CHiPs movie, Kristen Bell has joined the cast of the film, which is being directed by her real-life husband Dax Shepard. Shepard also co-stars in the film with Michael Pena, with the two playing the lead roles of Officer John Baker and Frank “Ponch” Poncherello.
The Wrap reports that Bell has signed on to co-star in the new CHiPs movie, while Variety adds that Adam Brody and Insurgent star Rosa Salazar have also joined the cast of the new film based on the classic ‘80s TV series. While we previously assumed that CHiPs would be taking a page from 21 Jump Street’s playbook, Michael Pena has described the project as more of an action film and less of an outright comedy, and says that Shepard is aiming for an R-rated film similar to Lethal Weapon.
Shepard wrote and is directing the film based on the series, which centered on motorcycle buddy cops Baker and Poncherello, who patrolled California’s highways and pursued criminals. Brody will play a fellow officer, with Vincent D’Onofrio on board to play the film’s villain. There are no details on Bell or Salazar’s potential roles at this time.
Salazar was most recently seen in Insurgent, while Brody has a supporting role in the new indie comedy Sleeping With Other People. Bell recently reprised her voice role for the Frozen Fever animated short, and appears next opposite Melissa McCarthy in The Boss, which was previously titled Michelle Darnell.