Michael Sheen is to star in 'Home Again' with Reese Witherspoon.

Michael Sheen

Michael Sheen

The 47-year-old British actor has been confirmed for a role in the indie comedy opposite the 40-year-old actress along with Candice Bergen.

The movie has been written by Hallie Meyers-Shyer - the daughter of writer-and-director Nancy Meyers - who is also set to direct.

The plot follows the life of a recently separated mother-of-two who makes the decision to move to Los Angeles with her kids in a bid to start afresh, but whose life gets increasingly chaotic after she agrees to help three charismatic young guys.

Rose Byrne was initially in line to play the female protagonist, but Hallie, with Nancy's help, managed to secure Oscar winner Reese. Candice is to portray Reese's on screen mother.

As well as writing and directing, Meyers will also produce the film with Erika Olde under her Black Bicycle Entertainment, the company which is financing the project.

Shooting is due to begin in Los Angeles in November.

Sheen can next be seen in 'Passengers', in which he stars with Jennifer Lawrence, and psychological thriller 'Nocturnal Animals' with Amy Adams and Isla Fisher.

Meanwhile, Reese has been busy voicing a character for musical comedy 'Sing' - which comes out in January - and has also been working on HBO mini-series 'Big Little Lies'.

The Hollywood star has also been working as a producer on 'Barbie and Ruth' which is about the life of Ruth Handler, the creator of Barbie.