Edward Norton to Produce, Write, Direct and Star in Passion Project 'Motherless Brooklyn'

Many seem to forget the 'overnight sensation' that was Edward Norton almost 20 years ago.

He went from being a complete unknown to getting an Oscar nomination for Supporting Actor in his first-ever acting role in Primal Fear at the age of 27.

Just two years later he scored another Oscar nomination, this time as Best Actor for the modern classic, American History X.

The legend goes that all the big offers he got for movies like The People vs. Larry Flynt, Rounders, and Fight Club were all based off of his audition tape for Primal Fear.  It was THAT DAMN GOOD.

In recent years though, Norton's mainly fallen off the map, with his last notable role being 2012's The Bourne Legacy as the main antagonist.

Today however, comes word that Norton has finally secured full-financing and the greenlight for a project he's been working on for the past 15 years, Motherless Brooklyn.

The actor penned the adaptation of the Jonathan Lethem novel of the same name, which will change settings from modern day in New York to 1954.  Norton will direct and star as Lionel Essrog, a secluded private detective afflicted with Tourette's syndrome, whose trying to solve the murder of his only friend and mentor.  

The actor will produce as well along with director Brett Ratner and his production company RatPac Entertainment.

This sounds like a great role for Norton and huge stepping stone in his career which will hopefully get him back to the Oscar limelight.

Production his scheduled to begin at the end of this year.

Source:  Deadline