MGM catches its 'Zookeeper' in Kevin James

Kevin James is becoming a busy man after the success of "Paul Blart: Mall Cop."

Credit: AP Photo/Peter Kramer

American's newest movie superstar, Kevin James, has landed his second high-profile project this week.  Earlier, James joined longtime buddy Adam Sandler and Chris Rock in an untitled high-school reunion comedy for Sony Pictures.  Now, according to Variety, the "Paul Blart: Mall Cop" star has signed on to play "The Zookeeper" for MGM.

A key component of MGM's 2010 slate, "The Zookeeper" tells the tale of a lonely, um, Zookeeper who decides to quit his job because he can't meet a girl. The animals he's cared for think differently and decide to intervene.

The comedy will be directed by Frank Coraci ("Click") and is expected to begin shooting this summer on the East Coast.  This will make James a busy man as his Sandler/Rock flick is also scheduled to shoot during the same time period.  However, with Sandler's Happy Madison company involved with both films they'll probably work it out.

James startled Hollywood last month when "Paul Blart" raked in $31 million in its opening weekend.  The picture should pass the $100 million threshold by end of day today.

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