According to Variety, Robin Williams and Toni Collette will star in the adaptation of Armistead Maupin's novel The Night Listener for Hart Sharp Entertainment.

The Business Of Strangers helmer Patrick Stettner will direct the pic, which goes into production next month in and around Gotham.

Collette is in final negotiations. Sandra Oh, Rory Culkin and Joe Morton are also in talks to join the cast.

The Night Listener is the story of a popular radio show host who, while trying to cope with a splintering romance, strikes up a telephone relationship with his biggest fan. When disturbing questions arise regarding the boy's identity, his life spins out of control.

The screenplay was adapted by Maupin, best known for his series of "Tales of the City" novels, along with Terry Anderson and Stettner.

The Night Listener was inspired by an experience shared by Maupin and other public figures. After the publication of "Night Listener," the story behind the book's inspiration was documented by journalist Tad Friend in the 2001 New Yorker article "Virtual Love."