Jared Leto is switching gears from Joker to director, with the actor set to make his feature directorial debut.

Leto will helm "77," a thriller set around the kidnapping of heiress Patty Hearst by the Symbionese Liberation Army in 1974. The film focuses on two police officers investigating that crime while simultaneously trying to solve the murder of a fellow officer, and in the process uncovering corruption and a dark conspiracy.

While "Suicide Squad" star Leto has previously helmed a documentary (2012's "Artifact," which won an award at the Toronto Film Festival) and multiple music videos and commercials (using his pseudonym, Bartholomew Cubbins), this will be his first time directing a full-length feature. And the Oscar winner will be in good creative company on the flick, working from a script penned by celebrated "L.A. Confidential" author James Ellroy, with rewrites from David Matthews ("Boardwalk Empire," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"). Leto will also produce the flick under his Paradox banner.

No word yet on when "77" is expected to begin production, though if it shoots after "Suicide Squad 2," Leto may want to ask that film's director frontrunner, Mel Gibson, for some tips.

[via: Variety]