In one of the world's more inspired casting decisions, John Cusack will play Edgar Allen Poe in The Raven.

No, that's not an adaptation of The Raven. And no, it's not a biopic either. Directed by V for Vendetta's James McTeigue, The Raven takes place during the last five days of Poe's life. When a killer with an unhealthy Poe obsession is bumping off folks in the Edgar Allen style.

It's either first-grade fan fiction of the trashiest variety, or it's an amazingly brilliant movie waiting to happen. Either way, it's a chance for Cusack to shine in a weird role with snazzy period dress.

The part of Poe fell to Cusack after Ewan McGregor dropped out, Jeremy Renner ditched it for Mission: Impossible 4 and Joaquin Phoenix had a mental breakdown. The actor, who was last seen in Hot Tub Time Machine, announced it via Twitter.

The Raven starts shooting in October in Budapest and Serbia.