Magnolia to release 'Extra Man' in July

NEW YORK, March 30 (UPI) -- Magnolia Pictures says it has acquired the U.S. distribution rights to "The Extra Man," a big-screen comedy starring Kevin Kline and Paul Dano.

Directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, the directing team behind "American Splendor" and "The Nanny Diaries," "The Extra Man" debuted at Sundance this year.

It was written by Berman and Pulcini with Jonathan Ames, based on Ames's novel of the same name, and was produced by Anthony Bregman of Likely Story and Stephanie Davis of 3Arts. The film co-stars Katie Holmes and John C. Reilly.

"Dano stars as Louis Ives, a daydreaming writer who fashions himself a modern-day F. Scott Fitzgerald, who sets out for New York to make a name for himself. He rents a room from the eccentric Henry Harrison, a failed but brilliant playwright who lately finds work as an 'extra man,' an escort for wealthy society widows. The two form an unexpected bond, and Henry introduces Louis to a fantastic cast of eccentric characters that could only be found in New York," said a synopsis of the film provided by Magnolia.

The company said it is planning a late July theatrical opening for the film in the United States.

"'The Extra Man' is an incredibly charming and howlingly funny film from a moviemaking team that I've admired since 'American Splendor,'" Magnolia Pictures President Eamonn Bowles said in a statement. "The cast is great across the board and Kevin Kline gives one of the greatest performances of his career, ranging from comic absurdity to pathos with amazing panache."