Will Ferrell to star in adaptation of novel 'The 100-Year-Old Man'

Aug. 24 (UPI) -- Will Ferrell has signed on to star in an adaptation of best-selling novel The 100-Year-Old Man.

Ferrell is also attached to produce the project from CBS Films with his longtime collaborator Adam McKay and Jessica Elbaum through the trio's Gary Sanchez Productions banner, Variety reported.

Andy Licht and NiceFLX Pictures' Pontus Edgren and Mikael Wallen are also producing. Felix Herngren and Henrik Jansson-Schweizer, who co-wrote the screenplay for the Swedish adaptation of the novel, are serving as executive producers, noted The Hollywood Reporter.

Jason George of Narcos fame is penning the screenplay. No director is currently attached.

The 100 Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by author Jonas Jonasson, has sold more than 10 million copies worldwide since releasing in 2012. The novel follows a man who on his 100th birthday escapes from his nursing home to go on an adventure. The character becomes involved in defining moments from the 20th century as he meets the likes of Joseph Stalin and Winston Churchill.

"My character, Allan, knows the art of being funny just by being," said Jonasson in a statement. "That is something Will Ferrell masters to perfection. Great humor with small measurements. I am happy that Allan is now in his hands."

Ferrell will next be seen in Daddy's Home 2 alongside Mark Wahlberg and Holmes and Watson with John C. Reilly.