Jason Bateman is starting to fill out the cast for his directorial debut Bad Words, signing Allison Janney, Philip Baker Hall, Kathryn Hahn, Ben Falcone, and Rohan Chandz.

The story centers on a 41-year-old high school drop out (Jason Bateman), who enters the National Quill Spelling Bee. Allison Janney plays Dr. Bernice Deagan, the director of the spelling bee group, while Philip Baker Hall portrays the head of the organization. Rohan Chandz plays a fellow contestant who becomes friends with Jason Bateman's character.

Andrew Dodge wrote the screenplay, which landed on the Black List in 2011. MXN Entertainment's Mason Novick is producing with Darko Entertainment's Sean McKittrick and Jeff Culotta.

The comedy will begin production in Los Angeles this week.