Reuters
08 Sept 2008
By Leslie Simmons

Julie Andrews flies to "Tooth Fairy" role

Julie Andrews has earned her wings.

The actress will join Dwayne ("The Rock") Johnson and Ashley Judd in the family comedy "Tooth Fairy."

Also on board are "Extras" star Stephen Merchant, who also co-created "The Office," and pro skateboarder Ryan Sheckler (MTV's "Life of Ryan").

The 20th Century Fox film centers on Derek Thompson (Johnson), a minor-league hockey player whose nickname is the Tooth Fairy because of his ability to knock out opposing players' teeth. Judd plays his girlfriend.

When he discourages a youngster, Derek is ordered to one week's hard labor as a real tooth fairy, complete with wings, magic wand and frilly tutu. Along the way, he rediscovers his forgotten dreams.

Andrews will play Lily, a high-ranking, acerbic supervisor with the Tooth Fairy Department charged with overseeing Derek's stint as a tooth fairy. The 72-year-old British screen icon was last seen in the 2004 "Princess Diaries" sequel.

Merchant plays Tracy, a socially awkward, low-level tooth fairy who has not yet earned his wings but is assigned to be Derek's case worker and trainer.

Sheckler plays arrogant young hockey player Mick Donnelly, who makes a pit stop in the minor leagues before heading to the NHL and treats Derek like a has-been.

Filming is set to begin in October in Vancouver with Michael Lembeck (the "Santa Clause" sequels) directing.