Wonder Boys is an 2000 American comedy film directed by Curtis Hanson and screenplay by Steve Kloves. The film was based on the novel of the same title by Michael Chabon. It stars Michael Douglas, Frances McDormand, Robert Downey, Jr., Tobey Maguire and Katie Holmes. It was filmed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, including locations at Carnegie Mellon University, Chatham University, and Shady Side Academy.