Sean Astin, best known for playing Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, has signed up for an indie comedy called Demoted. He’ll join Michael Vartan, David Cross, Celia Weston and Sara Foster in the cast of the film.

The plot revolves around two tire salesmen (Astin, Vartan) who play cruel pranks on their co-worker (Cross). Once the victim unexpectedly becomes their boss, he insists the pranksters take secretarial jobs. Foster will play the wife of Astin's character, who's tricked into believing he was promoted. Weston will play the head secretary who inspires the best friends to plot their revenge.

Astin is currently in production on Stay Cool with Winona Ryder.  He just completed Forever Strong with Sean Faris, and will soon be heard doing voice work for the animated films Spirit of the Forest and Cat Tail.