Watch CBS News

Chelsea Handler to star in new film "Mall"

Chelsea Handler arrives at the 2009 Women In Film Crystal and Lucy Awards on June 12, 2009, in Century City, Calif. Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

(CBS) Chelsea Handler will set aside her trademark humor for a more serious role in the upcoming film "Mall."

Handler, 36, will star alongside "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" star Vincent D'Onofrio, who also produced the film with partners Erika Hampson and "The Collective's" Sam Maydew.

@katiecouric: Chelsea Handler

Deadline reports that Handler will play the dark role of a restless housewife in this adaptation of Eric Bogosian's 2001 novel "Mall." The film will mark the directing debut of Linkin Park member Joe Hahn.

D'Onofrio, who also wrote the script with Joe Vinciguerra and Sam Bisbee, will play a "voyeuristic businessman."

Bogosian will also appear in the film as a store owner.

"This film will be a comment on social violence," D'Onofrio said in a statement to Deadline. "It begins as a man walks through the front door of a suburban mall armed to the teeth, causing five strangers to embark on a night that will change them forever. As the bullets fly, one teenage boy hurtles through the night on a collision course with the man he will become."

Do you think Handler can put aside the jokes and handle a serious role? Let us know in the comments below.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.