Casting Notes: New Comedy Projects For Jessica Alba, Uma Thurman And John C. Reilly

Let's start with the bad news. Jessica Alba is joining the cast of Little Fockers, as "an attractive pharmaceutical rep whose looks wreak havoc on male characters in the story." The bad news isn't Alba's involvement, but that Little Fockers is still being made. But Universal needs a reliable earner, and this, to my great chagrin, probably fits the bill. When your parents ask who directed this comedic treasure while you're watching it half-drunk on affordable wine after some future Thanksgiving meal, you can tell them it's Paul Weitz, and that you read it here. [THR]

After the break, some slightly more heartening news.

The event hinted at in the title of the film Ceremony is the wedding of Uma Thurman's character; she plays an 'older woman' (ahem) about to get hitched. But there's a complication: a young guy (Michael Angarano) different from the one she's about to marry, has fallen for her. Presumably she is interested, too, or else he's particularly assertive. Otherwise there's no movie. Trades had previously reported that Jesse Eisenberg was the smitten kid and Angarano would play his friend; I'm not sure if Eisenberg is still in the picture. The film is written and will be directed by Max Winkler, son of the Fonz. Production begins October 21. Winkler previously co-wrote The Adventurer's Handbook. [Variety]

Finally, the always reliable John C. Reilly has joined the cast of Cedar Rapids, the Alexander Payne-produced ensemble comedy starring Ed Helms. The story follows a small-town guy, Helms, who has to represent his insurance company at a regional conference in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The 'big city' experience turns out to be a little much for the guy. Reilly will play another insurance man at the conference who sees the thing as a getaway from his family and a chance to get wild. Sounds almost just like Fantastic Fest, really, only perhaps with fewer shotguns and arguing with Uwe Boll. [THR]