For a while it’s been known that Channing Tatum has been looking for project to co-direct with his business partner, Reid Carolin (they thought about helming Magic Mike XXL, but ultimately passed). Now one has jumped to the top of the pack, as THR reports he’s set to helm an adaptation of Matthew Quick’s book Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock.

The young adult novel ‘centers on a troubled high schooler who plans to kill his best friend and then himself.’ Tatum may also star in the movie, and if he does, he’ll play a teacher who tries to stop the young man’s plan.

If this does become his directorial debut, he’ll certainly be starting off with something difficult and dramatic, but would flex his muscles as both a helmer and an actor. At the moment it’s not known when it might shoot, or indeed when Tatum will have a slot in his incredibly busy schedule.