Arms Control

Judd Nelson stars as Marty Malt, a man with something extra--an arm growing out of his back--when the dark comedy “The Dark Backward” shoots later this year.

“The arm is going to be realistic--almost like another character, like the tail on the lion in ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ ” promises co-producer Randy Turrow, adding that special effects are already underway.

To be directed by scripter Adam Rifkin, the “around $2 million” picture explores what happens when Marty--a garbage man--realizes his dream to be a comedian. That weird third arm is his ticket to success, but when it suddenly disappears. . . .

Turrow promises “some surprising cameos”--possibly some of Nelson’s buddies, with whom Rifkin teamed in his “Never on Tuesday.” Not yet released in this country, it co-stars Emilio Estevez, Charlie Sheen, Nicolas Cage and Cary Elwes.