Summit International has closed key territories on its Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts comedy Larry Crowne as buyers responded to the prospect of the pair’s first match-up since Charlie Wilson’s War.

Rights have gone to France (SND), Italy (Medusa), Spain (Tri-Pictures), Scandinavia (Svensk), Benelux (Belga), Latin American (Sun Distribution) and Canada (Alliance). Universal took US rights in a deal on the eve of the EFM.

Hanks will direct the story of a man who enrols in college in a bid to reinvent himself after losing his job. He co-wrote the screenplay with Nia Vardalos. Philippe Rousselet’s Vendome Pictures is fully financing the film.

Production is due to begin in Los Angeles in April. Hanks and his Playtone partner Gary Goetzman will produce, with Rousselet serving as executive producer.

Early deals have also been closed on Chris Weitz’s upcoming father-son drama The Gardener. E1 has taken it for the UK, Svensk for Scandinavia, TriPictures for Spain and PanCinema for South Korea.

Larry Crowne and The Gardener have gone to Portugal (Lusomundo), Turkey (Fida), Middle East (Jaguar), Baltics (ACME) and Croatia and Slovenia (Blitz).

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