Mark Ruffalo Joins Scarlett Johansson for John Carney

Irish helmer adds Ruffalo to his music-oriented next.

Last June it was announced that ‘Once’ writer-director John Carney was attached to direct Scarlett Johansson in ‘Can A Song Save Your Life?,’ a feel good romantic drama that had Mark Ruffalo and Jim Carrey rumoured for a role. Now it has been confirmed that Ruffalo has landed the male lead opposite his ‘Avengers’ co-star.

Seduced by dreams of making it in the big city, Gretta (Johansson) and her long-time boyfriend move to New York to pursue their passion for music. She’s heartbroken when he dumps her for the fame and fortune of a big solo contract, leaving Gretta all on her own. Her world takes a turn for the better when a down-on-his-luck record producer (Ruffalo) stumbles upon her singing in a local bar and is immediately captivated by her raw talent and inspiring authenticity – they may be each other’s last chance to turn their lives around. Somewhere between friendship and their love of music, the two strangers strike a chord that captures the hearts of everyone around them, proving that every great story has its own soundtrack.

Grammy-award winning songwriter Gregg Alexander will be working with Carney on the music, with Anthony Bregman (‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind,’ ‘Our Idiot Brother’) and Judd Apatow (‘Bridesmaids,’ ‘Knocked Up,’ ‘Superbad’) producing. Production is set to begin in June of this year.