An adaptation of Neill Strauss' pick-up artist novel "The Game" has been in the works for years, with James Franco and Josh Gad attached to it at one point. At that time it was to be directed by Brian Koppelman and David Levien, the duo behind Solitary Man, and penned by The Office scribes Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky. It never came together, but like a guy who just won't take no for an answer, the project just keeps hanging around.
Deadline reports Franco is back on for The Game, starring and producing the film which chronicles Strauss' experiences as part of the seduction community. Basically, it's about guys whose sole purpose is to score with as many women as possibly by any means necessary. Obviously, pick-up artists are a controversial aspect of the dating scene and it will be interesting to see how it's handled on screen. Just as he was in the beginning Franco is set to play Mystery, a Yoda-like guru who knows all the tricks of the trade.
We don't know if a prior script is being used or if a new one was written, and the hunt for a director is underway in hopes of shooting next year.
