DeGeneres to play Mother Nature in movie

LOS ANGELES, March 18 (UPI) -- U.S. comedienne and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has signed on to play Mother Nature in a movie, Walden Media announced Wednesday.

Based on an internally generated original concept, the big-screen, live-action comedy is about Mother Nature's return to Earth for the first time since the planet's creation, the company said in a release.

The as-yet-untitled project is being written by Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winner Jenny Bicks, the creator and executive producer of TV's "Men in Trees," and a writer and executive producer on "Sex in the City."

"I'm so excited to be playing Mother Nature. I've always wanted to control the weather. Nothing will stop me from doing this ... neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet ... I may be thinking of the postal service. But, I'm really excited about the movie," DeGeneres said in a statement.

"We are thrilled to be working with such a beloved entertainer. The project is designed to capitalize on Ellen's unique voice, her skills as a physical comedienne, and her ability to connect with an audience," added Michael Bostick, Walden Media's chief executive officer.

Walden said it is looking to fast track the project for production this summer in Los Angeles during the talk show host's hiatus.

DeGeneres' film credits include "Mr. Wrong," "Ed TV" and "Finding Nemo."