Coens Join Policemen’s Union

Joel and Ethan Coen, literary types.

With all success the Coen’s have had with one adaptation of an award-winning American author’s novel, why not try another?

Variety is reporting that Joel and Ethan Coen have signed on to do their writing/directing team thing with Michael Chabon’s novel The Yiddish Policemen’s Union. They’ll also produce along with Scott Rudin.

Chabon’s novel takes place in an alternate universe where after World War II, Jewish settlers established a homeland in Sitka, Alaska.  Now, years later, they are about to be displaced. Amidst all this upheaval, a rogue cop is investigating the murder of a heroin-addicted chess prodigy who might be the messiah.

Before tackling the Chabon novel, the Coens are set for A Serious Man for Focus and Working Title. For Chabon enthusiasts who can’t wait, The Mysteries of Pittsburgh will be out later this year and Scott Rudin is also developing The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, with Chabon adapting his own novel. Rudin also produced the film of Chabon’s novel, Wonder Boys.