Zahn is Dad to 'Wimpy Kid'

If there is one series of books that has been all the rage with my three sons it has been "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" books. My oldest first borrowed the book from a friend and within an hour he was begging me to go get him all of the books. Since then his two younger brothers and him have shared the enjoyment of reading the books together and anything that gets those kids reading and away from the Wii for a couple hours is alright in my book. That brings us to today's news, Variety reports that funnyman Steve Zahn will play the father in the film adaptation of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" for Fox 2000. To read the full story see below...

The original book follows a 6th grade kid named Greg Heffley through a year of middle school. The book was essentially a journal of Greg's life tying together his friendships, mishaps and other events important to him throughout the year. There have been three books released to date with a fourth book set for an October release.

Steve Zahn will join Zachary Gordon (The Brothers Bloom), playing the title role Greg and Rachael Harris (The Hangover) playing his mother. Also casted are Robert Capron playing Greg's best friend Rowley Jefferson and Devon Bostick (Saw IV) playing his older brother. Hotel for Dogs director Thor Freudenthal is directing the adaption with Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson producing. Fox 2000 has an April 2, 2010 release date planned with shooting starting this Fall.

Being that my sons love this book series, I know I will have to take them to go see it, so I hope that director Thor Freudentahl can deliver. Let's just say Hotel for Dogs doesn't give me the best vot of confidence. Steve Zahn is a hilarious talent, but has made quite a few stinkers over the years. How good this film turns out is still up in the air, but when we finally get to see a trailer, I hope the wait was worth it.

What say you? Does Wimpy Kid sound like something you'll be seeing? Strikeback...