Alcon Entertainment has hired Salim Akil to direct long-in-development psychological thriller “Counterfeit Son”, based on the Elaine Marie Alphin novel, Variety reports.

Producers are Steve Wegner, Alcon co-toppers Broderick Johnson and Andrew Kosgrove and Jessica Rhoades.

“Counterfeit Son” was published in 2000 and won a 2001 Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for best young adult mystery. The story centers on the aftermath of the death of a serial killer and his abused son, who takes on the identity of one of his father’s victims and attempts to live with the victim’s family.

The adapted script has been written by Matthew Aldrich.

Alcon had attached Ericson Core to direct the project in 2008. Core directed Alcon’s “Point Break” remake, which opens on Christmas.

Akil’s credits include “Sparkle” and “Jumping The Broom” along with multiple segments of “Being Mary Jane.” He is repped by ICM Partners and Morris Yorn Barnes.