Jared Leto to direct crime thriller '77'

Jared Leto is set to make his feature film directorial debut with Paramount's crime thriller "77."

David Matthews writes from an original screenplay by author James Ellroy, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Set in politically charged 1974 Los Angeles, the story revolves around two police officers who team up to recover kidnapped heiress Patty Hearst while simultaneously investigating the brutal murder of a fellow officer. They uncover not only relentless corruption and crime, but a dark and violent conspiracy as well.

The film will be produced by Dick Wolf and Tony Ganz of Wolf Films along with Leto.

The 45-year-old actor has previously helmed the 2012 documentary feature "Artifact" and the documentary series "Great Wide Open," "Into The Wild" and "Beyond the Horizon". He also has directed numerous music videos and commercials winning over a dozen awards worldwide.