Stone, Watts and Zach Galifianakis in 'Birdman'

Actors Emma Stone, Naomi Watts, Zack Galifianakis and Michael Keaton will star in 'Birdman' which is being helmed by noted Mexican director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu.

The dark comedy is a deviation for the director, who is best known for his intense dramas like 'Amores perros', '21 Grams', 'Babel' and 'Biutiful'.

'Birdman' follows the story of a former actor as he mounts a Broadway play based on a Raymond Carver short story. However, the play's egotistical leading man threatens to throw everything down the tubes.

The film is being made by Fox Searchlight and New Regency, the Hollywood Reporter said.

Keaton plays the comic book movie star trying to regain his credibility through the play.
Stone will play Keaton's daughter, fresh from rehab and now his assistant. Watts will be an actress in the play, while Galifianakis will play the production's conniving producer.
The director is yet to cast the leading man and the ex-wife.

Inarritu co-wrote the script with Nicolas Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris and Armando Bo. He is producing with Robert Graf and John Lesher. An early April production start is being eyed.