A large, impressive cast of actors is beginning to assemble around the “Dying Animal.” In addition to the already-signed Penelope Cruz, Ben Kingsley and Patricia Clarkson, Peter Sarsgaard, Dennis Hopper and Deborah Harry are also interested in the untitled film based on Philip Roth’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novella, says The Hollywood Reporter.

Directed by Isabel Coixet, the novella follows a graduate student (Cruz) who has an affair with an older professor. Years after the end of their relationship, she returns with a secret that will undoubtedly rock his world. Sounds more like an episode of Jerry Springer, as opposed to an award-winning novella. Hopefully Hollywood can throw in a couple midgets and token red necks. To hell with high art, you can’t go wrong with two midgets wrestling. Unfortunately, that scene is unlikely to make the cut in the script penned by Nicholas Meyer The Human Stain. The film’s production begins next month in Vancouver.