James Franco is in talks to star in the 20th Century Fox comedy Why Him?, which will be produced by Shawn Levy's 21 Laps company and Ben Stiller's Red Hour Pictures. Both of the production companies are based on the 20th Century Fox lot.

The plot centers on a Midwestern father who takes his family on a trip to Stanford, to visit his daughter during the Christmas holiday. What started as an innocent family trip quickly spirals out of control, as the father gets into an unexpected competition with his daughter's new boyfriend, a young Internet billionaire. While Variety doesn't specify which role James Franco will play, it seems likely that he will portray the billionaire boyfriend.

John Hamburg (I Love You, Man, Along Came Polly) is directing from a screenplay he co-wrote with Nick Stoller (Neighbors, The Five-Year Engagement) and Ian Helfer (The Oranges). No production schedule was given at this time, and it remains to be seen if this will be James Franco's next project that heads into production.

James Franco most recently starred in the The Interview, and he has a number of projects either set for release or in development. He co-stars with Jonah Hill in the upcoming True Story, which hits theaters April 17. He is also starring in The Adderall Diaries alongside Christian Slater, Every Thing Will Be Fine with Rachel McAdams and the animated comedy Sausage Party with Jonah Hill, Seth Rogen, Edward Norton and Michael Cera.