Random House Films has set the next project on its development slate, optioning Ross McDonald's 1959 novel "The Galton Case" featuring the tough but humane PI Lew Archer reports Variety.
The hope is the philosophical and narrative elements in story could turn it into a hit akin to "L.A. Confidential" or even "A History of Violence," given the story's emphasis on long-buried secrets rather than police procedurals.
Peter Gethers and Focus Features topper James Schamus will develop "Galton" jointly. Two of McDonald's novels featuring the character have been adapted before as Paul Newman films in the 1970's.
