AceShowbiz -

Set to raise the degree of laughs for the flick, Tim Allen has eagerly signed on to take a starring part in martial arts comedy "Redbelt" that Sony Pictures Classics is currently setting up at its pit.

Already had "Inside Man" star Chiwetel Ejiofor to topline, the project centers on a Jiu-jitsu master who loses his way when he falls into the movie business. Before long he is conned into using his skills in a couple of ultimate fighting matches. Allen reportedly will play a down-on-his-luck action star that meets the master after getting his behind handed to him in a street fight.

Apart from Allen, names like Emily Mortimer, Alice Braga, Joe Mantegna, Rodrigo Santoro, Ricky Jay, David Paymer, Rebecca Pidgeon, and Jose Pablo Cantillo have also been picked up to co-star. Meanwhile, filming start has been moved from May to June with David Mamet helming from his original screenplay for a planned summer 2008 release.