Michael Medico Takes Over As Director Of Bill Burr Comedy 'Bender'
Deadline
β’Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:30:00 +0000
π° What Happened
Deadline reports exclusively that Michael Medico, a television director known for work on XO Kitty, Atypical, Doctor Odyssey, and 9-1-1, has taken over as director of Bender, a coming-of-age comedy starring Bill Burr, Chris O'Dowd, and Ruth Bradley. Medico replaces Pluribus helmer Adam Bernstein, who exited the project for undisclosed reasons. Production is already underway in Belfast, with Irish actress Geraldine Hughes (Rocky Balboa) newly added to the cast.
Described as 'Superbad meets Derry Girls,' Bender is based on the late-1970s post-punk Dublin experiences of Adrian Cunningham, who co-wrote the script with Belfast writer and comedian Ciaran Bartlett. The story unfolds amid the frenzy surrounding an impending papal visit to Ireland, providing a distinctive historical and cultural backdrop for the coming-of-age narrative. 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, with Burr serving as an executive producer.
π The Backstory
Bill Burr is one of America's most popular stand-up comedians, known for his animated, confrontational style and starring roles in the animated series F Is for Family and the Netflix film The King. Chris O'Dowd is an Irish actor and comedian known for Bridesmaids, The IT Crowd, and frequent collaborations with director Judd Apatow. Ruth Bradley is an Irish actress known for roles in Dollhouse, The Guard, and Humans. Michael Medico has built his reputation primarily in television, directing episodes of popular series. Adam Bernstein is an experienced director whose work includes the film Pluribus and numerous television credits. The late 1970s setting references the historic 1979 papal visit of Pope John Paul II to Ireland, which was the first visit by a pope to the country and drew massive crowds amid a period of social and cultural change. The post-punk Dublin scene of the era produced bands like U2, The Boomtown Rats, and Virgin Prunes.
π― Why It Matters
Bender represents an intriguing hybrid of Irish and American comedic sensibilities, combining Burr's famously direct stand-up persona with O'Dowd's more gentle Irish charm, all set against the distinctive backdrop of late-1970s Dublin punk culture. The directorial change from Bernstein to Medico suggests a possible tonal shift for the project, and the Belfast production base emphasizes Northern Ireland's growing role as a film production hub.
Deadline reports exclusively that Michael Medico, a television director known for work on XO Kitty, Atypical, Doctor Odyssey, and 9-1-1, has taken over as director of Bender, a coming-of-age comedy starring Bill Burr, Chris O'Dowd, and Ruth Bradley. Medico replaces Pluribus helmer Adam Bernstein, who exited the project for undisclosed reasons. Production is already underway in Belfast, with Irish actress Geraldine Hughes (Rocky Balboa) newly added to the cast.
Described as 'Superbad meets Derry Girls,' Bender is based on the late-1970s post-punk Dublin experiences of Adrian Cunningham, who co-wrote the script with Belfast writer and comedian Ciaran Bartlett. The story unfolds amid the frenzy surrounding an impending papal visit to Ireland, providing a distinctive historical and cultural backdrop for the coming-of-age narrative. 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, with Burr serving as an executive producer.
Bill Burr is one of America's most popular stand-up comedians, known for his animated, confrontational style and starring roles in the animated series F Is for Family and the Netflix film The King. Chris O'Dowd is an Irish actor and comedian known for Bridesmaids, The IT Crowd, and frequent collaborations with director Judd Apatow. Ruth Bradley is an Irish actress known for roles in Dollhouse, The Guard, and Humans. Michael Medico has built his reputation primarily in television, directing episodes of popular series. Adam Bernstein is an experienced director whose work includes the film Pluribus and numerous television credits. The late 1970s setting references the historic 1979 papal visit of Pope John Paul II to Ireland, which was the first visit by a pope to the country and drew massive crowds amid a period of social and cultural change. The post-punk Dublin scene of the era produced bands like U2, The Boomtown Rats, and Virgin Prunes.
Bender represents an intriguing hybrid of Irish and American comedic sensibilities, combining Burr's famously direct stand-up persona with O'Dowd's more gentle Irish charm, all set against the distinctive backdrop of late-1970s Dublin punk culture. The directorial change from Bernstein to Medico suggests a possible tonal shift for the project, and the Belfast production base emphasizes Northern Ireland's growing role as a film production hub.