Levy's "Museum" Hires a Few New Staff Members

by | January 31, 2006 | Comments

Zap2it.com reports that British funnyman Ricky Gervais has signed on to appear in Shawn Levy‘s big-budget, high-concept adventure comedy "Night at the Museum." And to say that Mr. Gervais is joining an already-stocked ensemble would be kind of an understatement.

"Speaking to reporters in advance of his latest project, Steve Martin‘s reboot of "The Pink Panther," "Night at the Museum" director Shawn Levy threw in one additional piece of casting, "The Office" star Ricky Gervais."

And courtesy of ComingSoon.net, a synopsis: "Good-hearted dreamer Larry Daley (Ben Stiller), despite being perpetually down on his luck, thinks he’s destined for something big. But even he could never have imagined how "big," when he accepts what appears to be a menial job as a graveyard-shift night watchman at a museum of natural history. But during Larry’s watch, something extraordinary happens: the museum’s exhibits magically come to life. A fearsome T-Rex insists on a game of fetch (with one of his own skeleton bones); Mayans, Roman Gladiators, and cowboys emerge from their diorama to wage epic battles; and a wax figure of Teddy Roosevelt gives Larry important advice while harboring a crush for an Indian princess. As things spiral wildly out of control, Larry must find a way to control the magic to stop a nefarious plot and save the museum."

Already on board the "Museum" staff are Ben Stiller, Carla Gugino, Robin Williams, Mickey Rooney, and the legendary Dick Van Dyke. Fox is aiming for a 12/22 release date.

In addition to the impending remake of "The Pink Panther," Mr. Levy has also directed "Just Married," "Big Fat Liar," and the remake of "Cheaper By the Dozen."