Thirteen Dozens on Disney +: What Changes Compared to a Steve Martin Movie

AlloCiné spoke with Gail Lerner, the screenwriter of the Black-ish series who is signing his first feature film behind the camera with Thirteen by the Dozen, and actor Gabriel Union, who plays Zoe Baker in this comedy, allowing herself to change a lot from the worn version. By Steve Martin.

AlloCiné: In what way would your film follow the 2003 film, but also make a difference?

Gabriel Union: I was very excited when I saw that Disney wanted to maintain the spirit of the original movie while updating and updating it. We are no longer in 2003. For almost 20 years our society has changed radically. I immediately liked the script written by Kenya Barris and Jennifer Rice-Genzuk. I like that this vision is multicultural and multifaceted.

This time we have a completely different and diverse family. Of course, all of this puts new challenges on the table, new conversations that truly reflect the time in which we live. I’m really proud of what we have created and the message of tolerance and complementarity that is at the heart of our film.

Gail Lerner: It was a dream for me to make this film my first work. This is not a traditional remake of a movie starring Steve Martin. We were really trying to re-present this film for generations, for today’s families. This film is a reflection of the reality of the modern family of 2022. The traditional vision of the family is no longer like that today. I think all turn out to be presented in our family version of Thirteen by the Dozen.

And then, without a doubt, the fact that I am a woman gives different doses of energy and sensitivity to the film directed by the man Sean Levy. For sure I put myself there as a mother; This is definitely a parenting style that is different from men’s style. I believe people will feel my sensitivity as a mother in this film, a mother who adores children and who adores their laughter. And then, working with Gabrielle Union was also an excellent collaboration. He has such natural generosity and boundless human warmth.

Can a film like this help address the issues of racism and division that are so relevant in our society?

Gabriel Union: While the debate over racism and the rift between us has been going on for decades, I hope this film will help move the conversation forward. Moreover, it is an educational tool for our younger ones who do not always understand the nature of these various conflicts that irritate our society. We have made great progress in this area and at the same time nothing has really changed. Maybe watching a movie like this will wake people up and make them realize that inside we are all the same and with the same aspirations.

I hope everyone will find a character to identify with while watching our movie. I hope that beyond the conversation, we will be able to move in the right direction and make the changes that our community needs if we really want to live together and in peace. And, of course, I hope this movie will make you happy and cheerful, because we did not overcome it with maximum humor.

Tell us more about the topics and messages that are important to you in this film.

Gabriel Union: In fact, the film talks about the balance between your ambitions, dreams of the present and the reality of your life. How do you participate in the lives of your children as parents? Many of us as parents want more out of our professional lives, but that means less time at home and with our children. So how do we manage, how do we achieve a calm balance? This is a really topical and timely topic.

And then, it’s an idea of ​​the balance that can be struck between these two parents, Zoe and Paul, in order to achieve co-operation, joint management of their two families. It’s not easy to take a bet and move on. This is what many divorced and mixed families are experiencing. And this is a universal message that touches many families around the world. Family is the most important thing in life, it is the cement that strengthens your existence.

What is your definition of the concept of family today?

Gabriel Union: Family is the strength of your being. This is also what you decided to be. Sometimes your family is a mix of blood ties, but also the friends you choose. Sometimes you have a family with 4 fathers, but it’s still your family if that’s the case. And then there are the families with several generations where you live with your grandparents; This is still a family.

All forms of family exist and they are numerous, all different from each other. Finally, all families should be recognized with the same passion, everyone should celebrate so that our young people can be there, feel good there and grow up peacefully.