John Michael Higgins, the comic actor best known for his appearance in Christopher Guest’s mockumentaries, has signed on for Cameron Crowe’s We Bought a Zoo, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
ComingSoon.net has also confirmed the long-rumored casting of Scarlett Johansson as the film’s female lead. She will appear with Matt Damon as couple who purchase and restore a failing zoo.
Higgins is said to be playing a state zoo inspector with a dislike for Damon’s character. Also appearing in the film are Thomas Haden Church, Colin Ford and Angus MacFadyen.
We Bought a Zoo is scheduled to hit theaters on December 23, 2011.