Scarlett Johansson Will Take ‘The Psychopath Test’

Scarlett Johansson is breaking with her current sci-fi trend for her next film, which takes her into the realm of the crazies with The Psychopath Test, based on the book of the same name by Jon Ronson, who also wrote The Men Who Stare at Goats. Before you start feeling disappointed that this isn’t another sci-fi project, consider this: The Psychopath Test will be helmed by Jay Roach from a script by Kristin Gore, an uncredited writer on films like Her and Foxcatcher. Oh, and it stars Scarlett Johansson, so you almost don’t need another reason to care.

According to Deadline, Johansson has signed on for an unspecified leading role in The Psychopath Test, based on the Ronson book which explores attempts by the medical community to find and diagnose psychopaths — a designation given to one in every 100 people based on a specific set of guidelines. Psychopaths are typically defined by their lack of empathy, their tendency to manipulate and their charming personalities.

Roach, who previously directed films like Meet the Parents and The Campaign, will helm the project based on Gore’s adapted screenplay. Gore’s name might ring a vague bell: she is the daughter of former Vice President Al Gore, and has previously written for SNL, Futurama and the Oscars. She also did uncredited screenwriting work with Spike Jonze on Her and Bennett Miller on Foxcatcher.

Given Johansson’s recent run of leading roles and Gore’s smart writing skills, The Psychopath Test already has some outstanding potential. Gore and Roach are also currently working on the upcoming HBO series Women in Space, while Johansson can be seen next in Avengers: Age of Ultron (as if you need a reminder) on May 1.