Shandling to paint 'Town' with Beatty

New Line pic his first prominent role since HBO wrap

By DAN COX, BENEDICT CARVER

Garry Shandling, taking his first prominent role since finishing his HBO sitcom "The Larry Sanders Show," has signed to star opposite Warren Beatty in New Line Cinema's romance "Town and Country."

Shandling stepped in at the last minute for French thesp Gerard Depardieu, whose injury in a motorcycle accident last month has prevented him from shooting his role.

Shandling's deal was finalized late last week (Daily Variety, June 8).

Shandling and Beatty, who are good friends, will be reunited after having appeared together in Beatty's 1994 remake of "Love Affair," which was directed by Glenn Gordon Caron.

"Town" is about a man (Beatty), who, disillusioned with his marriage, endures a number of affairs before realizing that he truly loves his wife.

"Town" also stars Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn and Andie MacDowell.

Pic is slated to begin shooting later this month under Peter Chelsom's direction. Producers are Simon Fields, Andrew Karsch and Fred Roos. Pic was written by Michael Laughlin.

UTA reps Shandling.