Liam Neeson's a monster! At least in his next role as the title character in Juan Antonio Bayona's adaptation of Patrick Ness' young adult fantasy novel A Monster Calls.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the actor -- who was the frontrunner for the part -- signed on prior to Cannes where the movie will be shopped around. The story follows a young boy who deals with his mother's illness and school bullies by chatting with a story-telling monster.

Ness wrote the book based on an idea from the late Siobhan Dowd. Jim Kay provided illustrations for the novel, which may or may not work as concept art for the film.

Neeson will join a cast that includes Felicity Jones as the mother. The lead boy has yet to be cast. A Monster Calls is schedule for a October 14, 2016 release date.