ONCE Director John Carney Eyes RUSS & ROGER GO BEYOND

Acclaimed Irish filmmaker John Carney (‘Once,’ ‘Begin Again’) is reportedly circling the director’s chair for ‘Russ & Roger Go Beyond,’ the long gesting biopic about famed film critic Roger Ebert and sexploitation filmmaker Russ Meyer.

Scripted by Emmy-winner Christopher Cluess (‘The Simpsons,’ ‘Cheers,’ ‘Saturday Night Live’), the film takes place in the late 1960s and chronicles the unique relationship between Ebert and Meyer, who teamed up to make the salacious cult classic ‘Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.’

Will Ferrell is on board to play Meyer, with Josh Gad portraying Ebert.

Carney’s latest, the Dublin based musical drama ‘Sing Street,’ hits Irish cinemas March 17th.