Kevin James and Frank Coraci Hear the Call of the Wild in MGM/Happy Madison Production 'THE ZOOKEEPER'

Kevin James and Frank Coraci Hear the Call of the Wild in MGM/Happy Madison Production 'THE ZOOKEEPER'

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures has signed Kevin James (Paul Blart: Mall Cop, I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry, "The King of Queens") to star in director Frank Coraci's comedy THE ZOOKEEPER, it was announced today by Mary Parent, Chairman, Worldwide Motion Picture Group, MGM.

"Not only does Kevin help fully realize the comedic potential of the piece but he also brings a humanity and vulnerability to the character," said Parent who continued, "coupled with Frank's energy behind the camera this film is going to be a blast for audiences."

In THE ZOOKEEPER, the animals at the zoo adore their caretaker Andrew (James), an amiable but lonely guy who's never quite fit in. Finding himself more comfortable with a lion than a lady, Andrew decides he should leave the zoo and get a life. When the zoo animals discover his plan they decide to break their code of silence and reveal their biggest secret: they can talk! Now they won't shut up and they're teaching Andrew nature's best mating rituals. To help him win the girl of his dreams and save their happy family they're willing to do - or say - anything.

Happy Madison is producing with James, Jeff Sussman and Todd Garner. Cale Boyter, Executive Vice President of production, and Becky Sloviter, Vice President of production, are overseeing the project for MGM. Jay Scherick and David Ronn penned the screenplay. Hot on the heels of Paul Blart, THE ZOOKEEPER marks the second partnership for James/Sussman's Hey Eddie Productions, Happy Madison and Garner's Broken Road Productions.

Kevin James currently stars in hit film Paul Blart: Mall Cop which was Number 1 at the box office for the first two weeks of its release. James broke into the feature film when he starred opposite Will Smith in the blockbuster comedy Hitch. In 2007 he starred opposite Adam Sandler and Jessica Biel in the comedy I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry. Kevin received an Emmy nomination for his starring role in the hit television series "The King of Queens," which aired for nine seasons on CBS.

Frank Coraci is the director of a number of hit films including The Wedding Singer, The Waterboy and most recently Click.

James is represented by Endeavor, Jeff Sussman Management and attorneys Schreck Rose Dapello Adams and Hurwitz.

Frank Coraci is represented by UTA, Management 360 and attorney Jason Sloane of Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co, MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit http://www.mgm.com/.

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Source: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc.

CONTACT: Grey Munford, Director/Corporate Publicity of
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., +1-310-586-8227, gmunford@mgm.com

Web Site: http://http//www.mgm.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment