"Ray" director Taylor Hackford has come on board to direct Robert De Niro's drama "The Comedian".
Based on Art Linson's script, the production is slated to begin in New York early next year, reported Variety.
De Niro, 71, will play a Don Rickles a style standup comic who specialises in insults. Script's stand up portion has been written by Comedy Central Roast anchor Jeffrey Ross.
Earlier, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" director Mike Newell was suppose to direct the the film but left due to date issues.
