Michael Bacall (born Michael Stephen Bucellato; April 19, 1973) is an American screenwriter and actor celebrated for co-writing several high-energy, youth-focused films, including Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010), Project X (2012), and the rebooted 21 Jump Street (2012) and its sequel 22 Jump Street (2014). Known for his witty dialogue and irreverent tone, Bacall has made a mark with screenplays that blend comedy, chaos, and character-driven storytelling. He frequently collaborates with acclaimed directors like Edgar Wright, with whom he co-wrote Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, an adaptation of the graphic novel series.
Born in Los Angeles, California to a Sicilian-American family, Bacall began his career in entertainment as a child actor. He appeared in various television series and films throughout the 1980s and 1990s, gradually transitioning behind the camera in the early 2000s. One of his early writing efforts was Manic (2001), which he co-wrote and co-starred in, showcasing his interest in intense, character-focused drama. His background in acting helped shape his screenwriting voice, known for its sharp timing and cinematic flair.
As his screenwriting career took off, Bacall sold multiple scripts to major studios, including Psycho Funky Chimp and In Search of Captain Zero. In 2007, he was announced as the screenwriter for a feature adaptation of the cult gaming documentary The King of Kong. Throughout his career, Bacall has displayed a talent for crafting stories that resonate with youth culture while also pushing genre boundaries.
