Dave Franco & O'Shea Jackson Jr. star in 'Idiots,' a road comedy about two men hired to escort a teen to rehab. Premieres August 28.
- April 8, 2026
AceShowbiz - Idiots, formerly known as The Shitheads, is gearing up for its theatrical debut under a new title and release date. The film, starring Dave Franco and O'Shea Jackson Jr., will hit theaters on August 28, as confirmed by the Independent Film Company on Tuesday.
Directed by Macon Blair, the comedy follows two aimless characters, Mark (Franco) and Davis (Jackson), who are hired to escort a wealthy teenager, played by Mason Thames, to rehab. The movie, which premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, also features a notable supporting cast including Peter Dinklage, Kiernan Shipka, and Nicholas Braun.
Idiots will also open the 50th Atlanta Film Festival on April 23, marking a significant moment for the film's rollout. The road comedy explores themes of misadventure and redemption, combining humor with moments of reflective depth.
Macon Blair, known for his work on The Toxic Avenger, wrote and directed the feature. He also serves as a producer alongside Dave Franco, Alex Orr, Brandon James, Nathan Klingher, Ford Corbett, Joshua Harris, and Mark Fasano. The film's executive producers include O'Shea Jackson Jr., Jatin Desai, Greg Freidman, Danny McBride, Jody Hill, David Gordon Green, Jeremy Saulnier, David Gendron, Ali Jazayeri, and Thomas Mann.
During Sundance, the filmmakers discussed their initial attachment to the original title, The Shitheads. Blair recalled pitching the name to producer Orr before the script was completed, noting it made Orr laugh and stuck with them throughout the project. Franco mentioned that while they anticipated pushback on the title, the decision to rename the film was ultimately finalized as it approached its wider release.
Critics have responded positively to the film. In his Sundance review for The Hollywood Reporter, Richard Lawson remarked that the movie "develops a magnetic pull," praising Blair's ability to blend unconventional comedy with thoughtful, philosophical moments. The film’s tone balances irreverence with introspection, making it a unique addition to the comedy genre.
Idiots represents a collaborative effort from a diverse team of producers and executive producers, aiming to deliver both laughs and meaningful storytelling. As the film prepares for its theatrical release later this summer, audiences can look forward to a comedic road trip filled with unexpected twists and earnest character exploration.
With its new title and upcoming festival premiere, Idiots is positioned to attract attention from both comedy fans and cinephiles alike as it embarks on its distribution journey.