Edward Norton Joins Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu’s "Birdman"

Edward Norton, 43, has been cast in Alejandro Gonzalez Iñárritu’s upcoming dark comedy "Birdman," about a former superhero-playing actor ( Michael Keaton), who puts on a Broadway play based on a short story by Raymond Carver. His high hopes of making a comeback are thwarted by his narcissistic lead stage actor, who according to Deadline, Norton will be playing. The cast so far includes Norton's " Painted Veil" co-star Naomi Watts and Zach Galifianakis. The film will be shot in a New York Broadway theater starting mid-April.

Norton has made somewhat of a crossover from maniacal, brutish roles (see: " Fight Club" and " American History X") to more comedic roles in the past few years, with " Moonrise Kingdom" and "The Grand Budapest Hotel," which is currently in production. "Death to Smoochie" also gets an honorable mention.

Iñárritu’s "Babel" (2006) was nominated for two Academy Awards: for directing and best picture.