Variety is reporting that George Clooney is set to direct and star in a six-episode limited series based on the Joseph Heller novel Catch-22.

The series comes from Paramount TV and Anonymous Content, but currently has no network attached to it. However, given the source material, it would be a disservice for it not to end up either on a streaming service or premium cable network.

Catch-22 is a classic, hilarious novel set during World War II on the fictional island of Pianosa, which is of the coast of Italy. It follows US Air Force Bombadier Captain John Yossarian, who is trying desperately to get out of the war. The only problem is that one can only get out of the war if they’re crazy, but if you want to get out of the war, there’s no way you’re crazy, so they won’t discharge you. Such is the weird conundrum he finds himself in.

Clooney will direct a some episodes of the series, and will take on the role of Colonel Cathcart, who constantly raises the number of missions each man needs to fly in order to complete their tour. In doing so, he hopes to please the brass and eventually become a general.

All in all, it’s a funny deconstruction of our military, and is full of great, relatable bureaucratic humor. And it’s all done in a style that feels not unlike a cartoon.

A film was made back in 1970 starring Alan Arkin, but given the time and budgetary constraints, it wasn’t a fair adaptation. The novel is densely written, and the cyclical structure of each chapter makes it very difficult to adapt to a standard feature film. As such, a limited series is a fantastic fit for it.

What do you think of Catch-22 getting a series? Let us know down below!

Don’t forget to share this post on your Facebook wall and with your Twitter followers! Just hit the buttons on the top of this page.

SOURCE: EW