James McAvoy signs on for 'Cancer'

"Wanted" star James McAvoy is taking on a deadly disease.

McAvoy will play the author in Universal Pictures' adaptation of Will Reiser's memoir "I'm with Cancer," according to Variety. Reiser's spec script detailed his diagnosis with the disease at age 25, and his efforts to fight it. Spoiler warning: Reiser won his battle, so expect a happy ending.

Seth Rogen signed on to co-produce and co-star on the project last October. Filming begins in January.

McAvoy's big U.S. break came alongside Angelina Jolie in the 2008 comic-book adaptation "Wanted." He has since signed on for a sequel.

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