Actor/director/screenwriter/all-around busy guy Jon Favreau has been tapped by Columbia to direct their action drama "Johnny Zero," marking their second collaboration after "Zathura."

The Hollywood Reporter says "the story chronicles the birth of the hot-rod movement in the years after World War II. Favreau is a self-described hot-rod enthusiast.

Favreau recently signed a deal with Sony Pictures Animation to write and produce "Neanderthals." He also provides one of the voices in SPA's first feature-length film, the upcoming "Open Season." Columbia president of production Matt Tolmach and executive vp Amy Baer will oversee for the studio.

"We are thrilled to be continuing our relationship with Jon, especially with such an exciting project as 'Johnny Zero,' " Tolmach said. "He is an incredibly gifted and original filmmaker, and we plan to be making movies with him for many years to come."