Some have laughed at his jokes, some just shrugged at his comic antics. But after seeing him in countless comedy films, Steve Carell is now geared up to do a more serious role in drama.

Carell, said Reuters will be featured in a drama that tells the tragic story of love and loss. Entitled, “Dogs of Babel”, it focuses on the character of a linguistic professor who will be played by Carell.

The story begins when the professor comes home to find his wife dead in their backyard and with no witness but the couple’s dog. As the grieving husband, the professor refuses to believe what police said about the nature of his wife’s death, asserting it was just an accident. To find out the true nature of his wife’s death, Carell taught his dog ways to communicate.

“Dogs of Babel” is based on the novel by Carolyn Parkhurt and a project by Mandate Pictures, said Reuters. Carell will also serve as the film’s producer. It was earlier discussed with director Todd Phillips of “The Hangover” and John Crowley of “Boy A” but no director has closed the deal to shoot the film.

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