James Franco is in early talks for a starring role in "The Game," the MGM movie based on Neil Strauss' New York Times bestseller about picking up women, TheWrap has confirmed.
Strauss documented his experiences in "The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists," which was released by Regan Books in 2005. Franco's role would be as Mystery, who taught Strauss how to become a pick-up artist.
Also read: Exclusive: 'Office' Duo Now Writing Neil Strauss' 'The Game'
"The Game" is directed by Brian Koppelman and David Levien, both of whom worked on the screenplay. Writers D.B. Weiss (HBO's "Game of Thrones"), and Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky — the Emmy-nominated writer-producers of NBC's "The Office" — also worked on the project.
Paul Schiff, Andrew Miano, Chris Weitz and Paul Weitz are producing "The Game."
Franco is represented by CAA and James/Levy Management.