Joel Edgerton to pen coming-out drama 'Boy Erased'

After enthralling fans with his writing in 2015s 'The Gift,' actor Joel Edgerton is coming back with his upcoming movie 'Boy Erased'.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, 42-year-old-actor-turned-writer will write the story of 'Boy Erased,' which will be adapted from Garrard Conley's memoir 'Boy Erased: A Memoir of Identity, Faith, and Family'.

Focus Features has acquired worldwide rights to the movie.

Expressing his excitement, Edgerton said in a statement, "I'm excited to work with an ensemble of actors, seasoned and new, to bring Garrard's story to the screen. I think Focus is the perfect partner on this, and I will always thank Garrard for trusting my passion for his life story. I can't think of a better reason to get behind the camera again," as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter.

Lucas Hedges ('Manchester by the Sea') is set to star in the film opposite Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman.

Hedges will play a Baptist minister's son who is outed to his parents (Crowe and Kidman) and is then pressured into a gay conversion program led by a therapist (Edgerton).

The movie, produced by Anonymous Content, will begin production this fall for a 2018 theatrical release.

While making the announcement, Focus chairman Peter Kujawski noted, "Garrard's story is both timely and timeless, both personal and universal. It is a story which will not only deeply move people, but one that we hope will change outlooks. We are thrilled to work once again with Joel, and with the Anonymous Content team. These filmmakers' passion for this heart-rending project speaks to all of us at Focus, and to why we make the movies we do."

'Boy Erased' is being produced by Edgerton and Anonymous Content's Kerry Kohansky-Roberts and Steve Golin. Executive producers are Rebecca Yeldham, Ann Ruark and Anonymous Content's Kim Hodgert and Tony Lipp.