Wahlberg and Franco join cast of Date Night

Mark Wahlberg and James Franco have become the latest stars to join the cast of Fox's Date Night.

Star of The 40 Year Old Virgin, Steve Carell and Sarah Palin impersonator Tina Fey are already signed up for the comedy, due to be directed by Shawn Levy (Night at the Museum).

Levy told Variety he hoped to fill all of Date Night's supporting roles with "formidable actors".

"And people just kept saying yes," he added. "I think people just really wanted to work with Tina and Steve."

Penned by Shrek the Third writer Josh Klausner, the film follows the story of a married couple who find themselves in danger after their regular date night goes awry.

Levy's soon-to-be released follow-up, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, will feature original cast members Ben Stiller, Ricky Gervais and Robin Williams and new recruits Amy Adams (Doubt) and Owen Wilson (Marley & Me).