Phoenix Pictures is developing a feature based on Robert Heinlein's complex psychological thriller novela "The Unpleasant Profession of Jonathan Hoag" says The Hollywood Reporter.

Alex Proyas ("Dark City, "The Crow") will pen and direct the $40-50 million adaptation of the "Starship Troopers" author original 1942 work, an offbeat tale of a man who becomes increasingly disturbed when he realizes he cannot account for his activities during the day, or even what he does for a living.

He divulges his problem to the husband-and-wife partners of a private detective agency, and their investigation leads to a series of revelations they could never have fathomed.

Shooting is scheduled to begin sometime next year, likely Proyas' first project after the upcoming Nic Cage thriller "Knowing" for Summit.