Music, Style & Culture

Mark Ruffalo Joins Scarlett Johansson In Singer-Songwriter Film

Can a Song Save Your Life? directed by John Carney.

He was rumoured for the project last year (along with Jim Carrey), and now Mark Ruffalo has been confirmed for Can a Song Save Your Life?

He'll play a washed-up A&R man who forms a bond with Scarlett Johansson's singer-songwriter, who moves to New York to pursue her dream and ends up dumped and singing in a bar. Once director John Carney is behind the music-centric film, which will be executive produced by Judd Apatow.

Seduced by dreams of making it in the big city, Gretta (Johansson) and her long-time boyfriend move to New York to pursue their passion for music. She’s heartbroken when he dumps her for the fame and fortune of a big solo contract, leaving Gretta all on her own. Her world takes a turn for the better when a down-on-his-luck record producer (Ruffalo) stumbles upon her singing in a local bar and is immediately captivated by her raw talent and inspiring authenticity - they may be each other’s last chance to turn their lives around. Somewhere between friendship and their love of music, the two strangers strike a chord that captures the hearts of everyone around them, proving that every great story has its own soundtrack.

Johansson will get to show off her singing talents in the film, after the actress released a critically-acclaimed album of cover versions titled Anywhere I Lay My Head in 2008. Carney will work with Grammy-winning songwriter Gregg Alexander on music for the film.

"This is a beautiful and soulful story that we are honored to help John bring to life," said Tobin Armbrust, head of Exclusive Media in a statement found at The Hollywood Reporter.

Ruffalo was recently seen in Shutter Island and The Kids Are All Right. He is the new Hulk in Joss Whedon's The Avengers, and is currently filming magic heist picture Now You See Me.