James Franco to direct 'American Tabloid'

With two films at Sundance this year, starring and directing “Beautiful People,” and with other films he is attached to it seems like James Franco (“Oz the Great and Powerful”) wouldn't have time to take on any more work.

MTV learned yesterday that Franco has officially signed on to star in and direct an adaptation of an acclaimed novel.

He said, “We’re going to do ‘American Tabloid’ by James Ellroy. It’s not all put together yet. It’s still early. You’re getting the scoop.”

The book follows the lives of law enforcement officers as they’re slowly drawn into the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

While many people are convinced he is some kind of amazing actor I have yet to see that in any of his performances (he got close with “127 Hours”), but I’m hopeful something so heavy with character and plot (like this) will give him a chance to really stretch himself.

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