Universal grabs Roberts-Hanks' 'Crowne'

9:31 PM PDT 10/13/2010 by Borys Kit, Gregg Kilday
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Film centers on a man re-inventing his life

Universal Pictures has scooped up domestic distribution rights to the comedy "Larry Crowne," which will see Tom Hanks reteaming with Julia Roberts, with whom he shared the screen in 2007's "Charlie Wilson's War."

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Hanks also is directing the tale of a man re-inventing his life. He wrote the screenplay with Nia Vardalos; their working relationship dates to her 2002 smash "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," which Hanks and Gary Goetzman's company Playtone produced.

Hanks and Goetzman also will produce "Crowne" for Playtone, with Philippe Rousselet -- whose Vendome Pictures has provided financing -- serving as exec producer.

Summit had been interested in the domestic rights, but Summit International will handle international sales at the European Film Market.

"Crowne," set to begin production in April in Los Angeles, will be Hanks' first feature as director since 1996's "That Thing You Do!"

The domestic distribution deal was brokered by CAA, which reps Playtone.

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