Summit Entertainment has officially picked up dark comedy The Beaver, starring Mel Gibson and to be directed by Jodie Foster, who will also co-star.

According to Variety, The Beaver was penned by Kyle Killen, and focuses on a depressed man who finds solace in wearing a beaver hand-puppet. Foster also will play Gibson's character's wife.

"We bought the project because it's told in one of the most unique voices ever," said Erik Feig, Summit's president of worldwide production and acquisitions.

Foster came on to the project first and brought it to Gibson, with whom she co-starred in 1994's Maverick.

Summit plans for a fourth quarter 2010 or early 2011 release. It will also have rights in most foreign markets.

The Beaver is slated to begin lensing in mid-September in New York.