J.K. Simmons and Chris Elliott are both set to join writer/director Marc Lawrences new untitled romantic comedy, producer Martin Shafer announced today. They will join the previously-announced Hugh Grant, Marissa Tomei, Bella Heathcote and Allison Janney.
In 1998, Ray Michaels (Grant) was on top of the world — a witty, sexy, Englishman in Hollywood who had just won an Academy Award for Best Screenplay. Fifteen years later, hes creatively washed up, divorced, and broke. With no other options, he takes a job teaching screenwriting at a small college on the East Coast. Although the idea of teaching is less than thrilling, he hopes to make some easy money and enjoy the favors of impressionable young co-eds. What he doesnt expect to find is romance with a single mom (Tomei) whos gone back to school.
Simmons will portray Dr. Lerner, Chairman of the Universitys English department, a family man who takes Michaels under his wing. Elliott will portray Jim, a Shakespeare professor and next-door neighbor to Michaels, in search of that certain someone.
The film will begin shooting in New York in April. Shafer will produce with Liz Glotzer for Castle Rock Entertainment.
(Photo Credit: Nikki Nelson / WENN.com)
