MGM snaps up talking-animal romantic comedy

By Borys Kit

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Two Hollywood screenwriters have just learned that if at first you don't succeed, try and try again. Because sometimes, you'll get paid $2 million.

MGM has beaten out several suitors, including Disney and DreamWorks, to buy Jay Scherick and David Ronn's "Zookeeper" comedy script, forking over a $2 million advance against a $3 million if the project gets made.

Kevin James ("The King of Queens") in talks to star, and Walt Becker ("Wild Hogs") is attached to direct.

The story, described as a "Hitch" with animals, centers on a zoo full of animals that break the code of silence to help a down-on-his-luck zookeeper get the woman of his dreams by introducing the secret mating habits of their species.

Scherick and Ronn, who co-wrote the Eddie Murphy comedy "Norbit," pitched the idea to the studios last fall. It didn't sell; on the eve of the Hollywood writers strike, no studio was ready to spend significantly on development. So the pair wrote the script on spec during and after the strike (in accordance with union rules). Todd Garner, who came up with the idea, will serve as a producer.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter