Foster to Direct Carrey in The Beaver?

We've been following movement on "The Beaver" with more than a little interest: Kyle Killen's buzz script, after all, topped the Black List and has been pretty much lauded as some of the best (yet-to-be-produced) writing out there.

Now there's some new info on those who may be associated with the project, with Jim Carrey emerging as a leading candidate to play the starring role. (Previously, Steve Carell had been loosely attached to play the lead when Jay Roach was talking about directing the pic.)

Those familiar with the situation say Carrey really likes the script and producers really like him for the role, though any casting would be dependent on a director coming aboard first.

An offbeat dramedy that Anonymous Content is producing, "Beaver" centers on the relationship between a man and a beaver puppet he wears on his arm, which he talks to and treats as a companion.

Killen's script has generated enormous interest in development circles, drawing comparisons to "Being John Malkovich" and 'Lars and the Real Girl."

Producers, who'd like to shoot the pic this year, are currently out to directors, with several contenders in the mix, including one novel choice: Jodie Foster, who has had conversations about helming.

The brave one has directed several pics previously, including the 1991 mother-son drama "Little Man Tate" and the 1995 family tale "Home for the Holidays," though this would certainly mark a bit of a switch.

Meanwhile, the CAA-repped Carrey has recently engaged in a pattern of alternating between his trademark big-budget comedies and more quirky fare. He's next up in Disney's version of "A Christmas Carol" and has signed on to play Curly in the Farrelly brothers reboot of "The Three Stooges."

But he also recently starred in the Sundance trail-of-deception drama "I Love You Philip Morris” and has flourished in offbeat dramatic roles. "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" redux, anyone...