Ricci to star in Sandler-written comedy

LOS ANGELES, April 6 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Christina Ricci has signed up for the female lead role in "Born to be a Star," a big-screen comedy co-written and produced by Adam Sandler.

Ricci's previous film credits include "Mermaids," "The Addams Family," "Sleepy Hollow," "Monster," "Speed Racer" and "Penelope."

The Hollywood Reporter said "The Hot Chick" director Tom Brady will head up "Star," a comedy co-written by and produced with Sandler and Jack Giarraputo.

The movie, which is to begin shooting at the end of the month, is about a small-town Iowa nerd who discovers his mild-mannered parents were porn stars in the 1970s and decides to see if he has a future in the former family business, the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.

Ricci reportedly will play the guy's wholesome girlfriend.