Charlie Kaufman's been assembling a nicely eclectic cast for his latest writing / directing effort, the musical satire on Hollywood Frank Or Francis. And now he's locked in one extra name: Elizabeth Banks.
Francis' main plot strand finds Frank (Steve Carell), an intellectual director locked in a battle of wills with Francis (Jack Black), an online blogger stereotype who still lives with his parents and takes glee in attacking Frank's movies.
Recent Empire** webchat victim participant Nicolas Cage will star as an actor famous for starring in big, high concept films (sound familiar?), while Kevin Kline will appear in two roles; one, the world's top-grossing director and another as the man's brother, a typically Kaufman style character who turns into an animatronic head. Because why not?
Banks, meanwhile, is signing on to play a well-regarded actress whose career is largely made up of formulaic comedy bombs. She's also having an affair with Carell. In her own career, Banks will next be seen in smart thriller Man On A Ledge (due here February 3) and then in the first Hunger Games film, which is out on March 23.