Comedy comes from the writers of 'Bad Santa'

Jim Carrey is expected to star in "I Love You Phillip Morris," a prison comedy from the writers of "Bad Santa."

In addition to scripting the feature, Glenn Ficarra and John Requa will make their directing debut on "I Love You Phillip Morris."

The film's plot revolves around a conman whose love for his cellmate is so great that he stages multiple prison escapes for him.

The project is based on a book by Houston Chronicle crime reporter Steve McVicker and will be financed by Luc Besson's Europacorp.

Carrey is obviously going to take a hefty paycut for the comedy, because Variety has the budget for "Phillip Morris" set at "less-than-$20 million." The trade paper says that the project was pitched at Cannes as "Catch Me if You Can" meets "Brokeback Mountain."

It's difficult to know where "Phillip Morris" will fit in Carrey's upcoming schedule. Back in March, the actor was circling the 20th Century Fox comedy "Me Time" and he may just be eager to do any movie that might get made.

After its February opening, "The Number 23," Carrey's most recent vehicle, took in a disappointing $35 million at the domestic box office. At least "The Number 23" opened, which is more than can be said for "Used Guys," "Ripley's Believe it or Not!" and "A Little Game," three high profile projects that folded after Carrey signed on, but before a single frame of footage was shot.

After a script rewrite courtesy of Steve Oedekerk, "Ripley's" is still a possibility for Carrey and director Tim Burton.