J.K. Simmons, who is wrapping a seven-season run on TNT’s hit drama series The Closer, is making a switch to comedy with a co-starring role opposite Kyle Bornheimer in ABC/ABC Studios’ half-hour pilot White Van Man.

The comedy features a blue collar ensemble that centers on a man (Bornheimer) who is forced to put his dreams on hold in order to take over the family handyman business from his father (Simmons). The series will be based on a British show by the same name and will utilize a single camera format.

The series takes its name from the United Kingdom’s phrase that describes the stereotype for light colored vans and trucks, which are most often utilized by self-employed/small businesses that render handyman or repair services. White Man Van is set to be written by Raising Hope writer Bobby Bowman, who will also executive produce with Mark Gordon. The series will also be directed by Michael Fresco.

Or, more precisely, he’ll be making a movie about a man on the long-running game show. The story, written by William Wheeler (who also penned The Hoax), is based on a true story called “Prisoners of Trebek.” The plot is supposedly about Maguire’s character who spends time trying to master Jeopardy, falls in love, and experiences some “Charlie Kaufman-esque elements.”

Maguire’s production company, Maguire Entertainment, is producing along with Mark Gordon (who has produced films such as 2012 and Saving Private Ryan). The production is still looking for a director, and with the schedule Maguire currently has — soon to be shooting Spider-Man 4, The Details and Gary Ross’ The Crusaders — it might be some time before he can fit this film in so they probably have time to find a director.

One comment I read recently about this film mentioned something I thought would be hilarious casting: Will Ferrell as Alex Trebek. Probably not very likely, unless that’s part of the “Kaufman-esque” elements they’re talking about, but very funny nonetheless.