Carla Gugino to Join Jim Carrey in ‘Mr. Popper’s Penguins’

Mark Waters is directing 20th Century Fox’s adaptation of Richard and Florence Atwater’s classic children’s book

"Spy Kids" actress Carla Gugino will star opposite Jim Carrey in 20th Century Fox's modern adaptation of "Mr. Popper's Penguins," the actress' publicist has confirmed to TheWrap.

Mark Waters is directing and Davis Entertainment's John Davis is producing the family film, which is based on Richard and Florence Atwater's classic 1938 children's book.

Carrey stars as a powerful New York businessman who suddenly inherits six penguins, which proceed to disrupt his personal and professional life. Along the way, he learns the value of family and friendship — both human and otherwise.

Gugino is just the right fit for this project, because Carrey doesn't need brand-name co-stars like Jennifer Aniston ("Bruce Almighty") or Renee Zellweger ("Me, Myself & Irene") to find success at the box office. The actress is the perfect complimentary piece, with her unique combination of sultry looks and maternal warmth.

Gugino is doing a great job balancing her career with signature tough-chick roles and more commercial family fare like "Night at the Museum," which expose her to a younger audience.

Gugino will next be seen re-teaming with her "Race to Witch Mountain" co-star Dwayne Johnson in CBS Films' "Faster." She'll follow that with "Sucker Punch," which reunites Gugino with her "Watchmen" director Zack Snyder, and she also stars in Richard Levine's "Every Day," which was just announced as part of the Austin Film Festival's lineup.

The actress recently wrapped husband Sebastian Gutierrez's "Girl Walks Into a Bar," and is currently filming Mark Pellington's indie thriller "I Melt With You" with her "Entourage" co-stars Jeremy Piven and Sasha Grey.

Additionally, Deal Central recently reported she was in talks to star in the revenge movie "MILF."

CAA represents Gugino, whose casting was first reported by Variety.

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