Burt Reynolds to star in poker movie

Actor Burt Reynolds will play a card dealer and poker shark in a new poker movie, "Deal," it was announced this week by Variety. The production will be directed by Gil Cates Jr. and will begin filming in New Orleans on April 3. Poker pros rumored to be scheduled for cameos in the feature include Phil Laak, Antonio Esfandiari, and World Poker Tour (WPT) co-host Vince Van Patton.

"Deal" will tell the story of an ex-gambler (Reynolds) who teaches a talented but arrogant college student (Bret Harrison) the secrets of poker. As Reynolds is drawn back into the world of poker, his relationship with his protégé sours. Their final confrontation is played out at the World Poker Tour (WPT) World Championship.

Other notables joining the cast include Shannon Elizabeth and Charles Durning.