Tim Allen Makes His Directorial Debut

By Heather Chin
(previously published on www.thecelebritycafe.com on March 3, 2008)

Tim Allen takes a new turn as a first-time director at the helm of an indie comedy.

After being immortalized as Tim (the Toolman) Taylor, Santa, and Buzz Lightyear, Tim Allen will add another tool on his belt as director of a feature film.

The Hollywood Reporter reveals that Allen is set to direct and star in “Crazy on the Outside,” an adult indie comedy about an ex-con who is released from prison and reunited with his sister, whose life he finds even crazier than jail. Actors who are in talks to also star include Ray Liotta, Carrie-Anne Moss, Julie Bowen and Kelsey Grammer.

The 54-year-old actor has previously directed a single episode of “Home Improvement,” where he played the car-loving, accident-prone TV host and father, Tim Taylor. For “Crazy,” he will be joined by producers and crew from his “Santa Clause’ films, and “Just Shoot Me!” alums, Judd Pilot and John Peaslee, who have written the script.

Most recently a star of the semi-surprise hit, “Wild Hogs,” Allen will next be seen in David Mamet’s “Redbelt,” which opens on April 25. He will also reprise his role as the voice of Buzz Lightyear in “Toy Story 3.”