AceShowbiz -

Returning to the big screen, Ludacris has given his agreement to have a starring role in Christmas comedy "Fred Claus", a production of Warner Bros. Pictures. The rapper will portray an angry elf troubled by the sudden presence of the title character, played by Vince Vaughn, as he comes to North Pole to assist his brother, Santa Claus.

Also presenting Paul Giamatti, Kevin Spacey, John Michael Higgins, and Elizabeth Banks in the cast, the project is scheduled to begin filming next Monday, October 9 in London with David Dobkin at helm. Meanwhile script is written by Dan Fogelman and Jessie Nelson who will also serve as producer along with Dobkin.

Ludacris, whose latest album "Release Therapy" currently seats atop the Billboard 200 after selling 309,000 copies in its first week of release, is last seen on the big screen appearing alongside Terrence Howard in "Hustle & Flow." He recently contributed his voice for an episode of "The Boondocks" on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim.