After making his directorial debut with the comedy ensemble This Is the End, Sony Pictures has signed Seth Rogen to direct, produce, and star in The Interview. The studio is also eyeing the multi-hyphenate's Pineapple Express co-star James Franco for the other lead role, although negotiations have not started yet.

The story centers on a popular talk show host (possibly James Franco) and his producer (Seth Rogen), who become involved in a plot to assassinate the prime minister of North Korea. The Communist nation has been somewhat of a laughing stock in real life as of late, thanks to ex-NBA player Dennis Rodman's new "friendship" with North Korean leader Kim-Jong Un.

Seth Rogen is co-writing the screenplay Evan Goldberg, based on an original story they concocted with The Daily Show's Dan Sterling. James Weaver is also producing alongside Seth Rogen. It isn't known when production will begin on the $30 million project.