EXCLUSIVE: Michael Medico (Good Trouble) has taken over as director of Bender, a coming-of-age comedy starring Bill Burr, Chris O’Dowd and Ruth Bradley that we scooped last fall.

Medico takes the reins from Pluribus helmer Adam Bernstein, who has exited the project for reasons not disclosed. Also new to the project is Irish actress Geraldine Hughes (Rocky Balboa), who has joined the cast with production now underway in Belfast.

Described as Superbad meets Derry Girls, Bender is based on the late-’70s, post-punk Dublin experiences of Adrian Cunningham, who penned the script with Belfast writer/comedian Ciaran Bartlett. The story unfolds amid the frenzy surrounding an impending papal visit.

Stephen McCormack of Reflektor Media, Craig Verdon and actress Lesley-Ann Brandt (Presumed Innocent, Lucifer) through The Mal Picture Company, are producing in partnership with Cunningham through Martello Films. Burr serves as an executive producer. 

Medico is best known for his work in television, on series including XO Kitty, Atypical, Doctor Odyssey, 9-1-1, Grey’s Anatomy, The Fosters and Good Trouble. Coming off his feature directorial debut with the third installment in Tubi’s YA franchise Sidelined starring Baywatch‘s Noah Beck, he is next set to direct The Sky Blues for Walden Media. He is repped by Echo Lake Entertainment and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller.

Hughes is repped by Stewart Talent.