What initially started out at a straight-to-DVD spin-off of the Cars franchise has since transformed to a full-length feature film, Planes, which will be released by Disney. Announced back in 2011, Planes was to feature the voice of Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men) as Dusty, a crop duster. Since then the film moved on to become a feature film and somewhere along the way Cryer dropped out and now Walt Disney Studios has announced that Dane Cook will replace him.

Cook may have been courted for all sorts of comedic projects a few years back, but his stock has also dropped along the way. His last major starring role was in 2008’s My Best Friend’s Wedding. Attempts at getting a pilot run and a stage show into production did not pan out.

Despite a near four-year absence, Cook gave his career a great boost by having a guest starring role on Louie C.K.’s show Louie. Director Klay Hall had this to say about Cook.

“Dane Cook brings unmatched charisma and brilliant comedic timing and instincts to the character,” said Hall. “He gives Dusty a great edge.”

This might be just the thing to raise Cook’s stock and get him back into some starring roles. But then again, Planes looks redundant, very safe, and nothing to get excited over so far.

Here’s how the film is described:

[Source: Disney]