LOS ANGELES  - Paul Rudd has signed to star as the title character in "My Idiot Brother," a comedy being directed Jesse Peretz.

Rudd will play an idealist trying to cope with his overbearing mother, who crashes into the homes of his three ambitious sisters and brings, in succession, truth, happiness and a sunny disposition into their lives while also wreaking havoc.

Production is slated to begin in July in New York, with the parts of the sisters to be cast soon. In keeping with the family affair, the script is written by Peretz's sister, Evgenia Peretz, along with David Schisgall.

"Everyone on Earth who has a brother has an idiot brother," Bregman said. "I come from a family of three brothers, so I know that better than anyone. And what could beat the prospect of working with Jesse and Paul, who are like brothers to each other, to bring that message out into the world?"

Peretz, whose directing credits include episodes of Comedy Central's "Important Things With Demetri Martin," worked with Rudd on the 2001 indie comedy "The Chateau."

Rudd next stars opposite Steve Carell in the comedy "Dinner for Schmucks," to be released in July. James Brooks' "How Do You Know," in which Rudd stars opposite Reese Witherspoon, is slated for a December 17 opening.