Larry Charles has signed on to direct A Walk in the Woods, which has Robert Redford and Nick Nolte attached to star. Richard Linklater, Chris Columbus and Barry Levinson had previously been attached to direct at different times during the project's development.

The story is adapted from Bill Bryson's book that centers on a travel writer (Robert Redford) who reconnects with an estranged friend (Nick Nolte) he's been avoiding for years, by hiking up the 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail. Along the way, they end up squaring off with each other while meeting an assortment of colorful characters. Here's what the director had to say about the project in a statement.

"Growing up in the wilds of Brooklyn, you can see why I was the natural choice to direct A Walk in the Woods. I didnt see a tree till I was 27. I've pitched a lot of projects, but I've never pitched a tent. But A Walk in the Woods is not merely about a hike. It is an epic, intense, absurd journey through our collective past, present and future. A journey outward and inward. A journey into darkness but also into the light. And I am honored and humbled to take that walk with Robert Redford and Nick Nolte. Two true bonafide icons of American cinema. Does anyone have bug spray?"

Michael Arndt (Star Wars: Episode VII, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire) wrote the adapted screenplay, with Robert Redford and Bill Holderman producing for Wildwood Enterprises alongside Route One Films' Chip Diggins. Production is scheduled to begin in March.