Emile Hirsch has signed on to star in the Untitled John Belushi Project, less than a week after we reported he was in contention for the title role alongside Joaquin Phoenix and Workaholics star Adam DeVine.

Steve Conrad (The Weather Man) wrote the screenplay and is directing the biopic, which follows comedian John Belushi's life until his tragic death at the age of 33 from a heroin overdose in 1982. The story is said to be an allegory that illuminates the highs and lows of the American dream. Our report from last week revealed that Nelson Franklin (Jobs, Argo) is in contention to play the comedian's longtime friend and The Blues Brothers co-star Dan Aykroyd.

John Belushi's widow, Judith Belushi-Pisano, is serving as executive producer along with Dan Aykroyd. Alexandra Milchan, Bonnie Timmermann and Scott Lambert are producing, with shooting scheduled to begin next spring.

Emile Hirsch most recently starred in the indie hits Killer Joe and Prince Avalanche. He will next be seen in Lone Survivor.