Apatow makes three-film Universal deal

Judd Apatow has signed a three-film contract to write and direct for Universal.

The Knocked Up and 40-Year-Old Virgin director, whose new comedy Funny People debuts in the UK next month, will continue his successful working partnership with Universal under the deal.

"It was a true mutual enthusiasm to really cement a relationship," studio chairman David Linde told The Hollywood Reporter. "[Judd] has become a cornerstone for what this company prides itself on, which is excellence in comedies."

Linde added that Apatow's box office success - his first two movies made a combined $390 million (£236m) worldwide - makes him "a filmmaker who speaks to a global audience".