Golden Globe-winning actor/comedian Steve Carell has joined the cast of gay rights drama Freeheld, based on the 2007 Academy Award-winning short of the same name.

The true story, directed by Petter Sollet, centres on the fight of Laurel Lester and Stacie Andree to amend the Domestic Partnership Act, which affords pension benefits to domestic partners of all New Jersey public employees.

52 year-old Carell, who found fame on the American version of The Office, will play the supporting role of Steven Goldstein, a passionate advocate for the Garden State Equality, according to Deadline. The role was originally to be played by Zach Galifianakis, who left the project due to scheduling conflicts.

Two-time Emmy-winner Julianne Moore and Juno star Ellen Page, who came out as gay earlier this year, will play the lead roles in the feature.

Watch the trailer for the 2007 Freeheld documentary below.