Paul Rudd and Owen Wilson are in talks to star in Reese Witherspoon's next comedy

Paul Rudd and Owen Wilson may team up to romance Reese Witherspoon in James L. Brooks new comedy.

Credit: AP Photo/ Dan Steinberg

Paul Rudd has finally hit the goldmine.

After finding his niche as a supporting player in Judd Apatow's "The 40-Year Old Virgin," "Knocked Up" and the Apatow produced "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy," Rudd scored a true leading role in the surprise hit "Role Models" (a project he co-wrote mind you).  Now, with his next feature, "I Love You, Man" looking like a hit, Rudd is in high demand.  According to Variety, Oscar-winner James L. Brooks is looking to cast the "Clueless" veteran in his new untitled comedy.

Joining Rudd in the project, that has the working title "How Do You Know?," would be Owen Wilson and Reese Witherspoon.  Brook's screenplay centers on a love triangle where Rudd portrays a white-collar executive looking to romance Witherspoon's character and Wilson would play a pro baseball pitcher on her radar.

Columbia Pictures is looking to start production early this summer, but Rudd may not be able to fit it in his busy schedule.  He's also in talks to star in the DreamWork's comedy "Dinner for Schmucks" which is supposed to shoot in September.  Brooks, who traditionally shoots beyond a three-month schedule (and usually not for the best reasons), may be the key here which may force Ruddto choose between the two projects.

In the meantime, Witherspoon and Rudd will both be heard in DreamWorks Animation's "Monsters vs. Aliens." Rudd also has a supporting role in the Jack Black and Michael Cera comedy "The Year One."

Wilson is coming off the holiday blockbuster "Marley and Me." He'll reprise his role as the miniature cowboy Jedediah  in "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" this Memorial Day.

Stay up to date with the latest breaking news in the worlds of movies, TV and music by signing up for HitFix E-mail Alerts.