Peter Sarsgaard, Regina King, John C. Reilly and Laura Dern are in negotiations to star in Mike White's comedy "Year of the Dog" for Paramount Pictures' specialty division. Molly Shannon already has signed on to star.

Helmed by "School of Rock" scribe White, the story centers on Peggy (Shannon), a happy-go-lucky secretary who lives alone with her beloved dog Pencil. But when Pencil unexpectedly dies, Peggy embarks on a journey of transformation.

The film, which will start shooting next month in Los Angeles, also is expected to attract several high-profile comedians in cameo roles.

Paramount's Amy Israel and Matt Brodlie are overseeing for the specialty division.

Sarsgaard's recent credits include "Jarhead," "Flightplan" and "The Dying Gaul." He is repped by CAA, manager Jon Rubinstein and attorney Jodi Peikoff.

King recently appeared in "Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous," "Ray" and "Daddy Day Care." She is repped by the Gersh Agency and John Carrabino Management.

Reilly, who was nominated for an Oscar for his supporting turn in "Chicago," next appears in the Will Ferrell starrer "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" and Robert Altman's "A Prairie Home Companion." He is repped by UTA, Framework Entertainment and attorney Michael Gendler.

Dern, who was nominated for a best actress Academy Award for "Rambling Rose," next appears in the ensemble drama "Lonely Hearts" and David Lynch's "Inland Empire." She is repped by CAA, Untitled Entertainment and attorney Kevin Marks.