Actress Lake Bell, who made her directorial debut last year with the hit indie comedy In a World..., has signed on to direct The Emperor's Children for Imagine Entertainment. It isn't known if Lake Bell has plans on starring in the film as well.

Noah Baumbach wrote the screenplay adaptation back in March 2010, when he was attached to direct. Before that, Ron Howard was circling the project in July 2007.

The story is based on Claire Messud's novel that follows an educated but unsuccessful group of friends in their late 20s, who follow the life of a successful journalist, in the months leading up to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The inclusion of two more members threatens the group's stability.

Brian Grazer and Erica Huggins are producing for Imagine Entertainment, although it isn't known when production will begin.

As an actress, Lake Bell most recently starred in Mr. Peabody and Sherman and Million Dollar Arm, and she will next be seen in Man Up.