A number of actors have been lined up to join the “anti-romantic comedy” A Many Splintered Thing.  The pic stars Chris Evans as a man burned by past lovers who meets an engaged woman (Michelle Monaghan) and decides to feign a platonic relationship in order to keep seeing her as he tries to win her over.  Variety reports that Anthony Mackie (The Adjustment Bureau), Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation), Giovanni Ribisi (Ted) and Philip Baker Hall (50/50) are all in various stages of negotiations to join the cast, while Deadline adds that Topher Grace is also joining the mix.

Grace will play Evans’ best friend who eggs him on during his quest, but details regarding the other actors’ roles aren’t given.  It's an eclectic group of actors for a promising premise, and it's nice to see Evans still willing to tackle risky roles in the wake of his Marvel success (Mackie also stars as Falcon in the Captain America sequel).  Justin Reardon is directing from a Black List script by Chris Shafer and Paul Vicknair.  Production begins later this month.