Zooey Deschanel set for 'Highness'

Joins cast including James Franco, Danny McBride

July 9, 2009, 11:00 PM ET

Zooey Deschanel, one of the stars of "(500) Days of Summer," is joining the cast of "Your Highness," the Universal comedy that David Gordon Green begins shooting this month in Northern Ireland.

"Highness," written by Ben Best and Danny McBride, centers on an arrogant, lazy prince (McBride) who must complete a quest to save his father's kingdom. Joining him on the quest is his more heroic brother (James Franco). Deschanel plays Belladonna, Franco's virginal bride.

Natalie Portman plays McBride's love interest, a warrior princess.

Scott Stuber is producing.

Universal's Scott Bernstein and Dave Targan are overseeing the project.

Deschanel, repped by CAA and Seven Summits Pictures & Management, plays the title character in "Summer," which opens next week. The romance, which also stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, has been generating hipster buzz since unveiling at Sundance.

Zooey Deschanel set for 'Highness'

Joins cast including James Franco, Danny McBride

July 9, 2009, 11:00 PM ET