Winona Ryder Attempting to Relaunch Her Movie Career

[Brian Damage]

Looks like Winona Ryder is launching her own comeback story. The ’80s icon has landed a leading role in the Ron Howard-directed film, previously called Cheaters, starring Vince Vaughn and Kevin James. Sources tell EW.com that Ryder beat out a slew of other actresses in her drive to land the part of Geneva, Kevin James’ wife. She auditioned twice for the part, outshining the likes of Kate Beckinsale, Carla Gugino and Uma Thurman, who flew herself in for the audition.

Why is the role so coveted? Well it turns out the film is no tried-and-true fat guy/hot wife comedy. Rather, the movie, from screenwriter Allan Loeb (21), centers on two best friends, played by James and Vaughn. When Vaughn’s character discovers that James’ wife (Ryder) has cheated on his best friend, he confronts her directly and must decide whether or not he will tell his friend. (Thus, the film often pits Ryder’s character opposite Vaughn’s.) The movie is set to begin filming in Chicago in May.

Ryder, who recently wrapped Darren Aronofsky’s Black Swan starring Natalie Portman, can next be seen in the CBS mini-series When Love is Not Enough: The Lois Wilson Story, a period piece that depicts the story of the woman who co-founded Al-Anon. She stars opposite Berry Pepper. It premieres April 25.

http://www.ew.com/ew