Juno screenplay writer Diablo Cody has taken on risqué comedian-turned-actor Russell Brand to star in her new film, “Lamb of God”.

The film, which will be a comedy, heralds Cody’s transition from screenplay writing into directing.

“Lamb of God” is all about a young, conservative Christian woman whose experience of a plane crash causes her to lose her faith. She lives it up in Las Vegas only to rediscover her faith again.

According to a report in Twitchfilm, Brand is expected to star as the lead male character, William, a hedonist who meets the religious woman in Vegas.

No one has been cast to play the female lead yet, although there is some speculation that Cody wants it to go to Dancing With the Stars contestant Julianne Hough.

Brand is a former sex and drugs addict who made it big as a comedian before trying his hand at acting.

His efforts so far have been poorly received – his last movie “Arthur” was a box office flop.

Cody will no doubt be hoping that her directorial debut makes a better box office success.