Will Ferrell will star in the "The 100-Year-Old Man" film adaptation.
The CBS Films comedy production is based upon Jonas Jonasson’s "The 100 Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared," a book that has sold over 10 million copies since being published in 2012, Variety noted.
A Swedish adaptation of the book was released in 2013 and went on to become a hit, receiving a nomination for "Best Makeup & Hair" at the Academy Awards in 2016.
However, Ferrell, who is also producing the film, is determined to give the book another go with "The 100-Year-Old Man."
The movie’s plot follows Allan Karlsson who, on his 100th birthday, decides to escape from a nursing home into a world of adventure.
Karlsson’s journey features murders, criminals, incompetent police and a suitcase full of cash, according to the book’s synopsis.
As the story unfolds, audiences learn that the main character carries with him an interesting past linking him to key events of the 20th century.
The Hollywood Reported noted that the upcoming adaptation of "The 100-Year-Old Man" is comparable to the 1994 classic, "Forrest Gump," but comprises a darker comedic side.
Ferrell will team up with producers Adam McKay and Jessica Elbaum of Gary Sanchez Productions while Jason George writes the screenplay. Executive producers are Felix Herngren and Henrik Jansson-Schweizer, and Joshua Mehr will co-produce. Andy Licht and NiceFLX Pictures’ Pontus Edgren and Mikael Wallen also are involved with the project.
Jonasson said in a statement that the main character, Allan, "knows the art of being funny just by being," which was why Ferrell is ideal for the part.
"That is something Will Ferrell masters to perfection," he said. "Great humor with small measurements. I am happy that Allan is now in his hands."