George Clooney has acquired the rights to develop a big-screen version of Jonathan Mahler’s thriller “The Challenge,” according to Variety.

The book focuses on the struggle by U.S. Navy lawyer Charles Swift and law professor Neal Katyal to guarantee a fair trial for Salim Hamdan, the bodyguard and driver of Osama bin Laden.

At this stage, it’s not clear what role Clooney will play in the project, but he has the options to write, direct and topline the drama.

Considering Clooney’s excellent performance in Tony Gilroy’s recent legal thriller “Michael Clayton,” I would really like to see the actor take on one of the lead roles.

As far as helming goes, why not go for it? Apart from “Leatherheads,” Clooney proved he’s a dab hand at directing himself and others.