Josh Gad to Star in NBC Pilot 1600 Penn and New Film The Game, Opposite James Franco

The Book of Mormon’s Josh Gad will now star in his new NBC pilot 1600 Penn, according to Deadline.com. As previously reported, Gad will serve as co-writer and executive producer of the new comedy, which the network just ordered to film. Gad is also in negotiations to headline the new film The Game, alongside James Franco. Gad would play a Rolling Stone journalist who is a skilled writer, but lacks the ability to pick up women.

1600 Penn, follows a dysfunctional First Family in which the out-of-control oldest son (Gad) returns home and becomes not only its biggest liability, but also the glue holding everyone together. Gad co-created the sitcom with frequent Modern Family director Jason Winer and Jon Lovett, a former speechwriter to President Obama.

Gad, who received a Tony nomination for his performed as Elder Cunningham in the blockbuster musical The Book of Mormon, also recently signed on to star in the new animated film Me & My Shadow. In addition, Gad is working on several previously announced projects including the upcoming sex-addict comedy Thanks for Sharing.