Jim Carrey has signed up to star as a gay conman in a new dark comedy set in prison. "I Love You Phillip Morris" has been penned by the writers behind the film Bad Santa, Glenn Ficarra and John Requa.

It signals Carrey's continued intention to leave his slapstick comedy days well in the past and follows his last movie, the dark, critically-panned film The Number 23. Events of the film are based on real circumstances detailed in a book by Houston journalist Steve McVicker.

The 45-year-old actor will star as Steven Russell, a married man who falls in love with his cellmate when he is put in prison. When the object of his affections is released, Russell makes regular attempts to break free from prison to be with him.