Judd Apatow comedy benefit show coming to Savannah this weekend

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Director and producer Judd Apatow will host a comedy benefit show Sunday at the SCAD Trustees Theatre while filming his latest movie in Savannah.

The show will take place on Sunday, May 17 at 7 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless.

Apatow is currently directing “The Comeback King,” a film starring Glen Powell as a country music star who returns to college. The production has been filming in Savannah and will continue through mid-June.

Comedians and surprise guests

The benefit will feature comedians Otsuko Okatsuka and Moshe Kasher, as well as Lee Jin How, a star in the film. In an interview with WTOC, Apatow said there will be surprise guests.

“There’s so many comedians involved in the movie that we thought we should do a show to thank Savannah for being so hospitable to us during this shoot,” Apatow said.

Apatow’s first job in entertainment was with Comic Relief, an organization that raised money for health care for the homeless. He worked there for about five years and continues to support homeless causes.

“A lot of people there were really beautiful souls who worked very hard to assist the homeless, and they always encouraged me to stay in touch with that issue, and so I have,” Apatow said.

Film production in Savannah

The production chose Savannah after scouting the city. Apatow said the crew, food and people drew them to the location.

SCAD students have appeared in the film as actors.

“We’ve given these little parts to a lot of students, and some of them are really hitting it out of the park and are crazy funny,” Apatow said.

The cast includes Cristin Milioti, Madalyn Cline, and Leanne Morgan. Country music artists Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Jelly Roll and Brad Paisley have filmed scenes.

Powell co-wrote the film with Apatow. The two wrote the script over a year and a half, primarily on Zoom.

Apatow said he has enjoyed visiting local restaurants including Common Thread, Screaming Mimi’s, and Leopold’s Ice Cream, and added that he is looking for property in the area.

The film is scheduled for release in 2027. Production is about halfway complete.

Tickets to “The Comeback King Comedy Show” are available at LINKTR.EE/JUDDAPATOW.