Joel McHale joins Anna Faris comedy

2:38 AM PDT 10/14/2010 by Borys Kit, AP

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THR EXCLUSIVE

Joel McHale has booked his first movie since his turn leading the ensemble cast of NBC's "Community."

The actor is in final negotiations to play a key role in the New Regency's comedy "What's Your Number?" Mark Mylod is directing the Anna Faris starrer, being produced by Beau Flynn and Tripp Vinson of Contrafilm.

"Number" centers on a woman (Faris) who treks through her sexual past to find Mr. Right, exploring the idea of sexual quotas and whether such numbers matter. Jennifer Crittenden and Gabrielle Allan wrote the script based on Karyn Bosnak's book.

McHale is playing Faris' mildly charming boss, whom she accidentally sleeps with, causing her to begin a wild goose chase to find the one that got away.

The movie, whose cast also includes Chris Evans, Zachary Quinto and Matt Bomer, shoots at month's end.

McHale's deal for "Number" comes on the heels of his joining the cast of the Fox 2000 comedy "The Big Year," starring Owen Wilson, Jack Black and Steve Martin. McHale plays Martin's boss in the David Frankel-directed movie.

McHale appeared last year opposite Matt Damon in "The Informant!" -- a movie he did prior to "Community," which has been picked up for a second season by NBC. The actor, repped by Gersh and Sonesta Entertainment, continues to host veteran E! show "The Soup," on which he is a producer.