James Franco & Chris O'Dowd in Broadway 'Of Mice and Men'

It's been 40 years since Of Mice and Men came to life on Broadway, but James Franco and Chris O'Dowd will bring it back this March. The Associated Press reports that the two actors will place George and Lennie, respectively, from John Steinbeck's classic novella. For those of you who somehow skipped out on the extremely short book in English class, the story takes place during the Great Depression, when two migrant workers dream of a time where they can happily live off the fat of the land (or "off the fatta the land"). George develops a friendship with the mentally-challenged Lennie, who is all muscle -- in both strength and heart -- and little brain.

O'Dowd is currently starring in the television series Family Tree and has played a guest role in HBO's Girls. The 34 year-old Irish actor also been on the big screen for Bridesmaids, Thor: the Dark World and Gulliver's Travels  (another classic, revived).

The two stars have never done Broadway before, but Franco has a substantial background in literature. Amid a long list of schooling, Franco was in Columbia University's MFA Writing Program and recently co-wrote, directed, and produced a film version of William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying.

Director Anna D. Shapiro is very familiar with the world of Broadway. She's won a Tony Award for directing the dark comedy play August: Osage County by Tracy Letts.

Though both actors have a diverse acting background, it promises to be a big departure from the smash-hit comedies they took part in that built their fan bases.

Of Mice and Men will play at the Longacre Theatre in New York City.