KERI, COURTENEY & TERESA: The Women Of "Bedtime Stories"

Joining Adam Sandler in Walt Disney Pictures' new comedy adventure "Bedtime Stories" are three of today's most sought-after actresses: Keri Russell ("Mission Impossible III," TV's "Felicity"), Courteney Cox (TV's "Friends") and Teresa Palmer ("December Boys").

"I think what attracted Keri, Courteney and Teresa to doing 'Bedtime Stories' was the fantasy element, the idea of playing different characters," says director Adam Shankman. They knew they would be in a lot of crazy costumes and get to do a lot of crazy characters alongside Adam Sandler."

"Bedtime Stories" is about Skeeter Bronson, a hotel handyman whose life is changed forever when the bedtime stories he tells his niece and nephew start to mysteriously come true. When he tries to help his family by telling one outlandish tale after another, it's the kids' unexpected contributions that turn all of their lives upside down.

The filmmakers tapped Keri Russell for the role of Jill-in addition to a host of fantasy characters including Jillian Queen of Fairies, Raven Jillian and a Mermaid. Her performance marked a return to her Disney roots. "I think it's funny that I'm doing this movie now because I was a part of the Mickey Mouse Club when I was growing up," says the veteran Mouseketeer.

According to Shankman, Russell was chosen to complement Sandler's comedic sensibilities. "She's a really great match for Adam because they make each other laugh and that's a real blessing," says the director. "They really seem to enjoy working together." 

"Keri's incredibly likable and smart," adds Sandler. "Our characters don't really like each other at first, so it was fun to bicker back and forth."

Courteney Cox was called on to play Skeeter's uptight sister Wendy. The actress was drawn to the part because of her on-set brother Adam Sandler. "I just love him and he makes for the most fun set. He surrounds himself with fantastic people," she says. "The story is heartfelt, whimsical, adventurous, funny. I was blown away."

Playing the hotel owner's spoiled daughter Violet is Australian actress Teresa Palmer. Skeeter is lobbying for her affections, believing it will help him earn a place in her father's heart-and hotel.

Violet lives a bit of an heiress life, chased by paparazzi. Says Sandler, "She's daddy's little girl. She gets into trouble sometimes and hasn't grown up 100 percent yet."

"Violet loves to have a good time," adds Palmer. "She's fun and crazy and loves to dance."

Shankman says he was taken by Palmer's appearance. "She's so beautiful on film it almost scares me," says the director, who credits the actress with enhancing the role of a spoiled daughter. "Bedtime Stories" is now showing in theaters nationwide.