Yorgos Lanthimos to Adapt and Direct Jim Thompson’s ‘Pop. 1280’

Those looking for more trademark nastiness from Yorgos Lanthimos may not have to wait long. The director of Oscar-nominated “The Favourite” will next tackle an adaptation of Jim Thompson‘s “Pop. 1280.” Lanthimos will write the script, direct, and produce alongside Imperative Entertainment and Element Pictures, in association with Discovery Productions.

READ MORE: Yorgos Lanthimos Discusses The Irrational Physicality & Ridiculousness Of ‘The Favourite’ In 45 Minute Talk [Video]

Lanthimos has been a fan of the novel for a while, and the plot description from the book’s publisher makes it clear why this is right up the filmmaker’s dark alley:

“Nick Corey is a terrible sheriff on purpose. He doesn’t solve problems, enforce rules or arrest criminals. He knows that nobody in tiny Potts County actually wants to follow the law and he is perfectly content lazing about, eating five meals a day, and sleeping with all the eligible women.

Still, Nick has some very complex problems to deal with. Two local pimps have been sassing him, ruining his already tattered reputation. His girlfriend Rose is being terrorized by her husband. And then, there’s his wife and her brother Lenny who won’t stop troubling Nick’s already stressed mind. Are they a little too close for a brother and a sister?

With an election coming up, Nick needs to fix his problems and fast. Because the one thing Nick does know is that he will do anything to stay sheriff. Because, as it turns out, Sheriff Nick Corey is not nearly as dumb as he seems.”

READ MORE: The Beating Heart Of Yorgos Lanthimos’ ‘The Killing Of A Sacred Deer’

This is the novel’s second time making it to the screen, previously in 1981 with Bertrand Tavernier‘s French film “Coup de Torchon.” Back in 2012, Andrew Dominik was attached to direct his own adaptation of the novel, which would’ve starred Woody Harrelson and Leonardo DiCaprio. There’s no word yet on who star this time around.

Deadline notes that the film will be “high priority” for producer Imperative Entertainment, so hopefully we’ll be seeing this one soon.