James Franco Adapting 'Rant' From 'Fight Club' Author

Hard to believe that author Chuck Palahniuk has had only two of his many novels adapted into films -- after the brilliant 'Fight Club,' there was only 'Avengers' star Clark Gregg's indie adaptation of 'Choke,' which not a whole lot of people saw. (It starred Sam Rockwell. It was fine.) But after several years and some failed attempts by others, actor/writer/director/professional college student/"artist" James Franco has officially optioned the rights to bring another Palahniuk novel to the big screen.

According to Lit Reactor, Franco has optioned the rights to Palahniuk's 2007 novel 'Rant,' although it's unclear if he will adapt, direct, and/or star in the film himself. Palahniuk confirmed the news to the site himself, saying, "Details about the casting, shooting and a proposed release date will be forthcoming. Hurray. After the opportunity to work with Brad Pitt, Edward Norton and Sam Rockwell, I can't imagine a more exciting actor to work with than Franco." (Clearly he has never heard of Michael Fassbender. Just saying.)

This isn't Franco's first literary adaptation -- he's directed two films based on novels by William Faulkner: 'As I Lay Dying' and he upcoming 'The Sound and the Fury,' and he directed 'Child of God,' based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy. He also directed the upcoming film 'Zeroville,' based on the Steve Erickson novel of the same name.

As for 'Rant,' here's the official synopsis:

Buster 'Rant' Casey just may be the most efficient serial killer of our time. A high school rebel, Rant Casey escapes from his small town home for the big city where he becomes the leader of an urban demolition derby called Party Crashing. Rant Casey will die a spectacular highway death, after which his friends gather the testimony needed to build an oral history of his short, violent life.

It definitely sounds like the dark and grimy side of humanity, which is right up Franco's directorial alley.