According to Variety, Sarsgaard, 36, will join a cast that includes Dennis Hopper, Penelope Cruz and Ben Kingsley. Dying Animal is based on a book by Philip Roth.
Isabel Coixete will direct the project for Lakeshore Entertainment, and filming is set to begin in Vancouver in May.
The film follows the story of a young graduate student who falls in love with her former professor. Several years after the end of their relationship, she returns with news that will change his life forever.