NEW YORK (Variety) - ``Ladies Man'' star Alfred Molina has closed a deal to co-star with Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche in ``Chocolat,'' the Miramax romantic comedy directed by Lasse Hallstrom (``The Cider House Rules'').
Molina will play the Comte de Reynaud, an uptight nobleman and leader of a small town whose control over the populace is jeopardized by their patronage of a chocolate shop opened by a woman (Binoche). Judi Dench is also a possible participant.
The picture, to be shot in France and England, is based on Robert Nelson Jacob's adaptation of the Joanne Harris novel.
Molina will next be seen in theaters with Miramax's ``Texas Rangers,'' and his recent credits include ``Magnolia'' and ``Boogie Nights.''
Thanks to Christina for sending this article to the email list. She mentioned that Dame Judi referred to this project when talking with members of the "London Group" at the recent taping they attended.