Variety reports that Universal and Imagine have signed Justin Theroux to direct Chief Ron, a comedy about a man who claims he is a descendant of the Mohegan tribe in an attempt to open a casino. The story is based on the true story of Ron Roberts, who courts allowed to build a casino in upstate New York, despite his Aryan looks.
Theroux has starred in several movies, including Mulholland Drive, Zoolander, and Miami Vice. He also co-wrote and produced Tropic Thunder and most recently finished the script for Iron Man 2. His only other directorial credit is Dedication, which was released two years ago and starred Billy Crudup and Tom Wilkinson.
Chief Ron is also the second feature-length narrative script from Jordan Roberts, who wrote Around the Bend as well as the narration for the U.S. release of March of the Penguins.