Jason Priestley to direct biopic about late SNL star Phil Hartman

Jason Priestley has been tapped to direct a biopic about late comedian Phil Hartman.

The movie is tentatively titled Nice Guy Philand will feature actor Daran Norris as the Saturday Night Livestar.

Producer Tyler Levine says Norris's similarity to Hartman is "uncanny."

Vancouver-born Priestley adds that he met Hartman, who was born and raisedinBrantford, Ont., when he hosted SNLin early1990s.

He called the well-regardedcomic and prolific voice actor, whosecredits included NewsRadio and The Simpsons,"a hero of mine."

The screenplay comes from actor Jonas Chernick and the film will be shot in Canada and the United States with production slated for next summer.

"Knowing I was a Canadian like him, Phil treated me differently. He was a hero of mine. Still is. I'm excited to tell his story," Priestley said Thursday in a release.