Theroux tapped to direct 'Chief Ron'

LOS ANGELES, June 12 (UPI) -- "Tropic Thunder" co-writer Justin Theroux has been hired to direct the U.S. casino-themed comedy "Chief Ron," film industry sources told Variety.com.

The movie is based on the true story of Chief Ron Roberts, a blond man with blue eyes who claimed he was of Native American heritage and set out to build a casino in upstate New York.

Theroux, who had acting roles in the movies "Charlie's Angeles: Full Throttle" and "Broken English," as well as on the TV series "Six Feet Under," also penned the screenplay for the upcoming "Iron Man 2."

Variety.com said "Chief Ron" will be his studio feature directorial debut.