AceShowbiz -

Sparking its next comedy project after "The Comebacks", Fox Atomic is setting up a flick entitled "I Love You, Beth Cooper" with Chris Columbus and Michael Barnathan to produce through their 1492 Pictures, Variety has reported.

Based on Larry Doyle's debut novel of the same title, pic follows the adventures of geeky high school valedictorian who decides he has nothing to lose by making a play for a popular cheerleader, declaring his love during the graduation speech. Script will be penned by the author himself, who is also known as a magazine and TV writer.

Names to direct and star have not yet been disclosed, but it is said that the project may be a potential directing vehicle for Columbus as with any project 1492 produces. Columbus, a native of Spangler, Pennsylvania, is best known for his directing work of the runaway hit "Home Alone" and last helmed musical romantic drama "Rent" back in 2005.