Universal Pictures finally has a writer, and possibly a director, for its long-gestating adaptation of Doug TenNeapel's 2004 graphic novel Tommysaurus Rex.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Tom McCarthy (Up, The Station Agent) will c0-write the screenplay with John Bland, and could wind up directing as well.

The story follows a young boy who moves in with his grandfather after his dog runs away. While exploring the area, the boy befriends a dinosaur he finds hanging out in a cave.

Universal has been trying to get an adaptation off the ground since Tommysaurus Rex was originally published by Image Comics. David O. Russell reportedly offered to write and direct at one point.

McCarthy's next film The Cobbler, which stars Adam Sandler, Dustin Hoffman and Steve Buscemi, hits later this year.