Quinlan set to join Travolta for 'Action'

By VARIETY STAFF

Oscar-nominated thesp Kathleen Quinlan, last seen in "Breakdown" and "Event Horizon," will star opposite John Travolta in "A Civil Action" for Touchstone Pictures under Steven Zaillian's helm, sources said Monday.

Pic, which starts shooting Oct. 21 in L.A. and Boston, is the true story of a personal injury attorney (Travolta) who reps eight families who have lost children to leukemia in a suburban Boston community, and are suing two corporate giants for toxic chemical dumping.Quinlan will play the leader of the group that is suing. Her character hires Travolta to represent them.

Mary Mara, who recently co-starred on "ER" and "Nash Bridges," also joined the cast as Travolta's Girl Friday.

They join William H. Macy, Tony Shalhoub, Ed Hermann, Dan Hedaya and James Gandolfini in the cast.

Zaillian is helming from his own script, which is based on Jonathan Harr's non-fiction account of the lawsuit.

Robert Redford, Scott Rudin and Rachel Pfeffer are producing.

Quinlan just wrapped "My Giant" opposite Billy Crystal for Castle Rock Entertainment. Other credits include "Apollo 13," which garnered her a best supporting actress Oscar nomination, "The Doors," "Trial by Jury" and the upcoming "Lawn Dogs."

Quinlan was repped in the deal by manager Chuck Binder and her attorney Nanette Klein.

Mara's feature credits include "Mr. Saturday Night," "True Colors" and "Love Potion No. 9." Her deal was brokered by Jeff Okin and Adam Levine of Metropolitan Talent Agency.