Actor James Franco (127 Hours) and his fabulous head of hair are set to make their directorial debut with the big screen adaptation of true-crime author Philip Carlo’s bone-chilling Richard Ramirez bio “The Night Stalker.” Franco plans to get the project going over the summer and will reportedly play the satanic serial rapist/killer himself.

The Night Stalker film will focus on the events that led Ramirez to become one of history’s most gruesome serial killers. Chris Cornell of rock outfit Soundgarden and screenwriter Nicolas Constantine are producing.

Constantine tells The NY Post:

Phil Carlo painted such an amazing portrait of Richard Ramirez, the human being, and it’s that which drew us all to the project. Sure, Ramirez was a monster — but Phil investigated how he became that monster, and that’s what this film is about.

This isn’t a horror film, nor does it glorify Ramirez in any way. James Franco shares that vision, and we all agree that he is absolutely the one actor, and now director, who can truly do this very intense role and story justice.

Hmm. I just hope it isn’t a snoozefest like David Fincher’s Zodiac. Regardless, I’m looking forward to the soundtrack (AC/DC!).

Richard Ramirez terrorized Southern California for most of 1985. He was finally captured on August 29th by outraged residents of East L.A. who recognized him from mug shots printed on newspapers and gave chase when he was seen attempting to steal a vehicle in an effort to flee police.

Found guilty on 13 counts of murder, five attempted murders, 11 sexual assaults and 14 burglaries, Ramirez was sentenced to death in 1989. He awaits execution at San Quentin State Prison.

Author Philip Carlo sadly lost his fight against Lou Gehrig’s disease back in November. His widow, however, tells the NY Post that Carlo had met with Cornell and Constantine in regards to the project and was “impressed with their vision for his film.”

If you haven’t read Carlo’s “The Night Stalker,” do so. It will scare the pubes off you.