Ben Stiller has been hired by 20th Century Fox to direct and star in a remake of the 1947 comedy/fantasy film ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,’ Collider is reporting. The news comes after several months of speculation that such well-known directors as Steven Spielberg and Ron Howard were being considered to helm the movie.

The comedian’s previous directorial efforts include ‘Tropic Thunder,’ ‘Zoolander,’ ‘The Cable Guy’ and ‘Reality Bites,’ all of which he also starred in. Stiller is expected to begin filming the ‘Secret Life of Walter Mitty’ remake in January 2012. However, he’ll next be seen on screen in the action/comedy film ‘Tower Heist,’ which is being directed by Brett Ratner and co-stars Eddie Murphy, Matthew Broderick and Casey Affleck. ‘Tower Heist’ is expected to open on November 4, 2011.

The original ‘Secret Life of Walter Mitty’ starred Danny Kaye in the title role, who works as a proofreader for a magazine publishing firm. He’s unable to defend himself against everyone, including his mother, who arranged a marriage for him, in the real world. So Walter imagines a fantasy world where he becomes poised, self-assured and confident.

Walter becomes surprised when his dream girl materializes in a woman named Rosalind van Horn, played by Virginia Mayo. She’s being chased by a gang of jewel thieves lead by psychiatrist Hugo Hollingshead, portrayed by Boris Karloff. As a result, Walter decides to live in the moment and stand up for himself.

Written by: Karen Benardello

Ben Stiller Directing