Danes to star in new comedy

Claire Danes, the upcoming co-star of Terminator 3, is in negotiations to star in the title role of romantic comedy Shopgirl.

The film is directed by Anand Tucker and based on the best-selling novella from zany stand-up comedian and actor Steve Martin.

Martin is also due to star in the production, which is scheduled to begin filming in late January in Los Angeles.

Shopgirl would see Danes star as Mirabelle, a disenchanted salesgirl and aspiring artist who sells gloves and accessories.

She has two men in her life: wealthy divorcee Ray Porter (Martin) and a struggling musician called Jeremy.

Mirabelle falls in love with the glamorous Ray and her life takes a magical turn, but eventually she realises that she must make a choice between the two men.