Jason Bateman comes up for 'Air'

Actor reunites with Jason Reitman for comedy

By MICHAEL FLEMING

Bateman

Reitman

Jason Bateman has signed on for "Up in the Air," the adaptation of the Walter Kirn novel that director Jason Reitman is lensing for DreamWorks and the Montecito Picture Co.

George Clooney stars as a corporate downsizer who is obsessed with collecting frequent flyer miles at the expense of having a life. Bateman will play his boss.

Bateman just signed to star with Jennifer Aniston in the Mandate Pictures comedy "Baster," which he’ll begin shooting later this month after completing "Up in the Air."

Bateman will next be seen in Universal drama "State of Play." He recently starred in and produced the Mike Judge-directed Miramax comedy "Extract" and has a lead role in the U comedy "Couples Retreat" with Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Kristin Davis and Kristen Bell.

Bateman is also working with Joe Carnahan on "Remarkable Fellows," a comedy based on his original idea that Carnahan has scripted to direct for Universal. Also looming is a feature adaptation of the Fox TV comedy "Arrested Development," for which Bateman is expected to return.