Leslie Mann Replaces Jennifer Aniston Opposite Robert De Niro in 'The Comedian'

Leslie Mann is set to star opposite Robert De Niro in “The Comedian,” which Taylor Hackford will direct for Cinelou Films, TheWrap has learned.

Cinelou will finance “The Comedian” and its co-CEOs Courtney Solomon and Mark Canton will produce the film with its screenwriter Art Linson as well as John Linson. Production will begin in New York in the coming weeks.

Mann will play a woman who befriends an acerbic stand-up comic (De Niro) after they unexpectedly connect at a wedding.

Also Read: Leslie Mann Comedy From Producer Judd Apatow Lands at Paramount

Jennifer Aniston had signed on to play the part in November, although an insider tells TheWrap that “they couldn’t quite make the dates work and her schedule didn’t allow her to commit to filming.”

The swap may be an upgrade, however, as Mann is no stranger to stand-up comics — she’s married to Judd Apatow, who started out telling jokes on stage before directing his wife in “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” “Knocked Up,” “Funny People” and “This Is 40.”

“Leslie Mann‘s impeccable timing and ability to inject drama into comedy make her the right choice for the film. We are so excited to welcome her to the cast of ‘The Comedian,'” Solomon said.

Also Read: First Look at Jennifer Aniston in 'The Yellow Birds' as Toni Collette, Jason Patric Join Cast (Photo)

Mann recently starred in “The Other Woman” and “Vacation,” and she’ll soon be seen alongside Dakota Johnson and Rebel Wilson in New Line’s romantic comedy “How to Be Single.” CAA represents the actress, whose casting was first reported by Showbiz 411.

Cinelou Films backed the Aniston drama “Cake” and just wrapped another Aniston movie, “The Yellow Birds,” which stars Tye Sheridan, Alden Ehrenreich and Jack Huston. The company also has the Eddie Murphy-Britt Robertson family drama “Mr. Church” and the Vera Farmiga-Jacob Tremblay movie “Burn Your Maps” in post-production. The two-year-old prestige label plans to release four films a year and has a deal with Warner Bros. to handle worldwide international distribution for six Cinelou releases over the next three years.

The Evolution of Jennifer Aniston: From a Central Perk Friend to Awards Nominated Film Actress (Photos)

A native Californian, Jennifer Joanna Aniston was born on February 11, 1969, in Sherman Oaks, California.
Trimark Pictures
After "Leprechaun" (1993), Aniston played Madeline Drego Cooper in the CBS sitcom, "Muddling Through" (1994).
CBS
"Muddling Through" (1994) may have only lasted one season, but 2 weeks after the show wrapped Aniston caught her big break as Rachel Green on NBC's "Friends" (1994-2004).
NBC
Jennifer effortlessly played advertising exec Kate in "Picture Perfect" (1997), pictured here looking perfect with phony fiance Jack (Jay Mohr).
20th Century Fox
Her next major flick came in 1997 with the rom-com "The Object of My Affection" opposite Paul Rudd.
20th Century Fox
Here's the sassy Jen we know and love telling off her boss in "Office Space" (1999).
20th Century Fox
"The Good Girl" in 2002 had Jennifer starring as Justine Last, a young woman having an affair with a store clerk (Jake Gyllenhaal) who thinks he's Holden Caulfield.
Fox Searchlight
Aniston hit big screen stride with box office ht "Bruce Almighty" in 2003. The comedy had the actress play the wife to God (or everyman Bruce, played by Jim Carey).
Universal Pictures
2004 brought another hit with "Along Came Polly." Jennifer starred as spicy food loving, salsa dancing Polly Prince, pictured here with her pet ferret, Rodolfo.
Universal Pictures
In "Friends With Money" (2006), Aniston starred as Olivia, who quits a lucrative job and navigates life surrounded by her wealthy friends. She's pictured here in her first indie flick alongside Frances McDormand.
Sony Pictures Classics
Aniston starred alongside Owen Wilson in the 2008 tear-jerker "Marley & Me."
20th Century Fox
The star had made her name as a great rom-com actress by the release of "He's Just Not That Into You" in 2009. Jen shone amidst an all-star cast that included Scarlett Johansson, Drew Barrymore, and Bradley Cooper to name a few.
New Line Cinema
"The Bounty Hunter" (2010) gave Jennifer the chance to flaunt her action movie chops as Nicole Hurley, reporter and ex-wife of Milo Boyd (Gerard Butler) the bounty hunter, on the run from the cops.
Columbia Pictures
Jen's never strayed far from her comedic roots. Her role as the questionable Dr. Julia Harris, D. D. S. in "Horrible Bosses" (2011) proved dentistry has never looked better.
Warner Bros.
Aniston sheds city life for a commune in 2012's "Wanderlust" opposite Paul Rudd. Here, she executes perfect yoga poses alongside fellow commune resident Seth (played by real-life boyfriend Justin Theroux).
Universal Pictures
We all know Jennifer Aniston is gorgeous, but she just wanted to remind us with this strip tease scene from "We're The Millers" (2013).
New Line Cinema
The highly anticipated drama, "Cake" (2014), puts Aniston in an Oscar-worthy role as Claire Bennett, a woman who strikes up a questionable relationship with a widower. The film has reinforced Aniston's status as a true and talented actress.
Cinelou Films
Prior to the release of "Cake" (2014), Aniston stopped by TheWrap offices to talk Oscar buzz, and even to get quizzed on, well, Jennifer Aniston.
TheWrap