Alex Baldwin Joins Woody Allen's Next Film, SET IN ROME

Deadline reports that Alec Baldwin has signed on to the cast of director Woody Allen's next film. The "30 Rock" star will join a cast that, thus far, only publicly includes Penelope Cruz, who last week confirmed that the film will be shot in Rome. Deadline also reports that Allen is also eyeing Jesse Eisenberg for a lead part.

This is the second big film to which Baldwin has signed on in as many months; he recently clinched a deal to play Dennis Dupree in a star-studded big screen adaptation of the hit musical, "Rock of Ages." These films, however, could be Baldwin's swan song, as he's said that he plans on retiring from acting in 2012, perhaps to run for political office.

Baldwin confirmed that the retirement was still the plan just last week, in a Huffington Post blog entry meant to clear up statements he had made saying "30 Rock" would end in 2012, as well.

Baldwin appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman" on Monday night.

Rome will be the latest in Allen's recent European sojourn. Two of his most recent films, "Vicki Cristina Barcelona" and "You Will Meet A Tall, Dark Stranger" were filmed in Barcelona and London, respectively, and his upcoming "Midnight In Paris," was shot in the French capital city.