Following on the heels of their recent "Zathura" collaboration, Columbia Pictures is back in business with Jon Favreau. The multi-hyphenate is on board to write and direct the action drama "Johnny Zero" for the studio.

"I've always been intrigued with the culture and music of the postwar period," Favreau said. "The birth of hot rodding marked a new chapter in the American dream."

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."

Favreau burst onto the Hollywood scene as the actor and writer of the offbeat comedy "Swingers." He then wrote, directed and appeared in Mafia crime drama "Made," which also starred Vince Vaughn and Sean Combs. He also helmed the boxoffice hit "Elf," starring Will Ferrell.

His acting credits include "Wimbledon," "Something's Gotta Give" and "Daredevil." He next appears opposite Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston in the romantic comedy "The Break Up."

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