James Franco to direct and star in biopic of murdered celebrity hair stylist Jay Sebring

It was only a matter of time before Hollywood's prodigious talent James Franco adamantly pursued the serious actor-turned-serious director path - a road that's turned out to be quite fruitful for Clint Eastwood, Robert Redford and most recently, Ben Affleck.

But leave it to Franco to reprise some quirky, strange, out of place roles.

His newest project, titled Beautiful People, is a biopic of Hollywood hair stylist Jay Sebring who coiffed the manes of many stars in the '60s. Until he was murdered along with three others, including his on-and-off girlfriend Sharon Tate, in the gruesome and chilling 1969  account caused by members of Charles Manson's cult.

The Guardian reports that Franco is set to direct and star in the film. Meanwhile, he's currently in Park City, Utah for Sundance to promote multiple projects.