Wolfgang Petersen has been tapped for Paramount Pictures' adaptation of John Scalzi's sci-fi novel OLD MAN'S WAR, reports Deadline.com. Additionally, Paramount has hired David Self (ROAD TO PERDITION) to pen the script.

In the story, after losing his beloved wife, a 75-year-old man enlists in a space expedition where he is given a younger body and the promise of land on a distant planet if he completely gives up his old life. When he is injured at the space colony, he is rescued by a female special-forces soldier who seems to be a younger version of his wife. Though she does not recognize him, he is willing to risk everything to be with her again.

Petersen will produce with Scott Stuber. Kim Miller is the exec producer alongside associate producer Alexa Faigen.