Comedy favorites Tommy Davidson and Tichina Arnold are teaming up for a brand-new feature film that promises plenty of laughs, heart and family chaos.
Davidson and Arnold have been announced as the leads of the upcoming family comedy “Search Party: Where’s Paw Paw?”, which recently wrapped production in Los Angeles. The film is expected to hit theaters this fall.
The PG-rated comedy is inspired by the feel-good comedies of the early 2000s and centers on college student Noble Williams, played by Victoria Monai Richards. After receiving an alarming call that her grandfather, Paw Paw, has suffered a serious turn in his health, Noble rushes home with her two best friends.
But when they arrive at the nursing home, Paw Paw is nowhere to be found.
Played by Davidson, Paw Paw leaves behind a series of unusual clues, sending Noble, her friends and her eccentric Aunt MeekMeek—played by Arnold—on a wild search to track him down.
What begins as a family emergency quickly turns into an outrageous adventure filled with strange characters, unexpected situations and plenty of comedic misadventures.
“Search Party: Where’s Paw Paw?” marks the feature directorial debut of Richards, who also co-wrote the screenplay with her mother, Sherrie Richards. Richards also stars in the film alongside Nijah Brenea and Daisy Fernandez.
The movie is being produced through Faith+Works Productions, a family-owned production company founded by Sherrie and Victoria Monai Richards, in collaboration with The Harold Brothers. The production company says its mission is to create family-centered stories filled with faith, originality, humor and heart.
Richards said she wanted to bring audiences the kind of comedy she remembers growing up watching—movies that families could enjoy together.
“I wanted to make the kind of comedy I grew up loving—something genuinely funny, colorful, and ridiculous that the whole family can enjoy together,” Richards told Deadline. She added that her hope is audiences leave the theater laughing, quoting their favorite moments and creating memories with the people they love.
For Davidson, the film adds another comedy project to an already busy year. The veteran entertainer is also returning to the world of Martin with “The Varnell Hill Show,” a new series centered on his beloved character from the classic sitcom. The series is set to premiere on Paramount+ on September 1.
Arnold, meanwhile, remains one of television’s most recognizable comedy stars, with memorable roles in Martin, Everybody Hates Chris and The Neighborhood. She is also attached to the upcoming Netflix reboot of A Different World.
With two veteran comedy performers leading the cast and a young filmmaker taking the reins behind the camera, “Search Party: Where’s Paw Paw?” is shaping up to be a lighthearted theatrical experience designed to bring families together for a good laugh.
The film is currently slated for a fall theatrical release, with additional release details expected to be announced.
