James Gray, who just wrapped "We Own the Night" with Joaquin Phoenix and Mark Wahlberg, has been set to rewrite and direct "Alphabet City" for Strike Entertainment and Universal reports Variety

Gray will rewrite a drama that centers on a journalist who goes undercover in one of Gotham's worst neighborhoods to write a book about drug culture and gangs.

Drama is based on a novel by Steven Knight who created gameshow "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and wrote the acclaimed "Dirty Pretty Things".

Shooting begins in the spring in New York.