Paul Giamatti Joins Brian Wilson biopic, 'Love & Mercy'

It's been a banner day for Bill Pohlad's Love & Mercy, a biopic on Beach Boys frontman, Brian Wilson. Already having lined up a solid duo with John Cusack and Paul Dano playing older and younger versions of Wilson, the cast was made instantly improved with Elizabeth Banks coming aboard, and now it gets even better as Paul Giamatti has signed on.

Having just wrapped up playing Rhino in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, Giamatti has jumped right in to the musical biopic, which spans decades in Wilson's life and career, from his rise to fame to his near destruction due to mental health problems. Banks is playing Wilson's wife, while Giamatti is the other person who helped Wilson through his problems, therapist Dr. Eugene Landy.

Giamatti recently joined season four of Downton Abbey, so he's going to be plenty busy. Filming on Love & Mercy begins in August.