New Line Cinema has landed the Chris Farley biopic starring Paul Walter Hauser, in what Variety is told was a highly competitive situation. The film, which has the blessing of the Farley family, will mark actor Josh Gad’s directorial debut,

New Line Cinema has officially secured the highly anticipated biopic package for A Chris Farley Story, with Paul Walter Hauser set to portray the legendary comedian and Josh Gad stepping into the director’s chair.

In a highly competitive situation, New Line Cinema has landed the Chris Farley biopic starring Paul Walter Hauser and to be directed by Josh Gad, according to an insider with knowledge of the project.

The pitch is based on the book by Farley’s brother Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby and will be adapted by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber. This marks the second major package Warner Bros. has landed this week with the main studio acquiring Avengelyne which is being developed as a star vehicle for Margot Robbie.