James Franco is about to get poetic with his new project. According to Variety, Franco has signed on to star in Howl, a film inspired by poet Allen Ginsburg.

The film will revolve around the obscenity trial for Ginsburg's poem and the film will also feature an animated recreation of the work. Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman are directing from their own script. Gus Van Sant is executive producing and Werc Werk Works CEO Elizabeth Redleaf and president Christine Walker are executive producing. Werc Werk Works is fully financing the film as well.

Principal photography is set to begin on March 16 in New York City.