Madagascar director Tom McGrath has entered talks to helm RentaGhost, Digital Spy said citing Variety.

20th Century Fox wants McGrath to reteam with Ben Stiller on what would be his live action directorial debut.

Stiller will also be reunited with Night at the Museum writers Tom Lennon and Robert Ben Garant on the adaptation of the kids' comedy television show.

RentaGhost centred around an agency that leased out phantoms, running on the BBC from 1976 to 1984.

McGrath most recently directed Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted for DreamWorks Animation.

He also collaborated with Stiller on Megamind, which the latter also produced.

Russell Brand is connected to rival project The Hauntrepreneur.