By Patrick Luce Feb 13, 2009, 12:18 GMT
Kevin James has signed for the title role in director Frank Coraci’s “The Zookeeper” which will be released through MGM.
Kevin James to take of the animals and look for love in "The Zookeeper." © Albert L. Ortega / PR Photos
Variety reports the film will also be a reteaming for "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" producers James and Jeff Sussman and Todd Garner. The film was written by Jay Scherick and David Ronn.
The story follows a lonely zookeeper who quits so he can meet a girl, but the zoo’s animals have a different idea.
MGM picked up the spec last April for an estimated $2 million against $3 million. Garner has stated in Daily Variety that James was the first choice for the “Zookeeper” role due to his physical comedy style.
Filming is scheduled to start this summer on the East Coast. James is also set to join Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider and David Spade on a high-school reunion comedy. The film will be released through Sony and produced by Happy Madison.
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