Lucy Punch, Bob Odenkirk & Rich Sommer Join 'The Giant Mechanical Men'

Join Cast That Also Includes Jenna Fischer, Topher Grace & Malin Akerman

Lucy Punch ("Dinner For Schmucks," "You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger"), Bob Odenkirk ("Mr. Show") and Rich Sommer ("Mad Men") have joined Jenna Fischer, Topher Grace, Chris Messina and Malin Akerman in the film that centers on two outsiders—a misunderstood street performer (Messina) and the soft-spoken zoo worker who falls for him (Fischer). Akerman will play Fischer’s well-meaning sister who pushes her towards dating a pompous motivational speaker, played by Grace. Punch will play Messina's girlfriend but no word yet on the roles for Odenkirk and Sommer.

The film was written and is being directed by Lee Kirk (writer of “Pants On Fire”) and is being produced by Fischer along with Molly Hassell and Michael Nardelli under his Taggart Prods. shingle. Brent Stiefel, Michael Gallant, Michael Cowan and Timothy Nardelli are the executive producers.

The project sounds intriguing though it is in the vein of indie comedies that often can't keep up with their wacky characters and premises. However, we do like the players involved and are interested to see if this one will deliver the goods. Quick bit of trivia: Fischer and Sommer previously worked together on "The Office" when the actor had a two-episode appearance as Pam's classmate a couple of seasons ago.

No release date or distributor on this one yet, but it's probably a sure thing to do festival rounds next year.