Fans of absurdist postmodern comedy lamented the cancellation of Arrested Development, but the silver lining to that very dark cloud was the show's cast getting the freedom to do film projects. One of Development's stars, Michael Cera, makes his debut as a leading man in this weekend's Superbad -- and regardless of how the movie performs, Cera's dance card is rapidly filling up. The Hollywood Reporter brings us news of Cera's latest project.

According to the report, Cera has just signed on to star in the long-gestating adaptation of Youth in Revolt, the first novel in C.D. Payne's popular series of books about teen anti-hero Nick Twisp. The events of the first book -- which MTV tried making into a series a few years ago -- are far too strange and detailed to get into here; suffice it to say that moviegoers can expect to see Cera in drag, as well as learn about wart watches. And fans of the books who have reservations about them being made into movies might be soothed by the following passage from the article:

"(Payne) is an incredible writer," Cera said, adding that part of the books' appeal is that the author didn't attempt to fake writing in the language of a 14-year old. "He doesn't try to dumb it down. He just made the kid a very intelligent, well-spoken kid and wrote in his own voice."

Cera is a huge fan of the book, having read it four times. "I have a copy signed by C.D. Payne. It's my most prized possession."

Before stepping in front of cameras as Nick Twisp, Cera will film Jason Reitman's Juno, then reunite with Superbad producer Judd Apatow for the Harold Ramis-directed Year One.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter