James Franco has been busy behind the camera lately -- and it looks like he has a new favorite collaborator on his passion projects.

Earlier this year, Franco cast Josh Hutcherson of "Hunger Games" fame in the period drama "In Dubious Battle," an adaptation of John Steinbeck's first major novel. Now, another American period piece will hit the screen under Franco's direction, and Hutcherson has just been cast in the lead role.

"The Long Home" is based on the novel of the same name by William Gay. Set in the 1940s, it follows the story of a young man who works for a bootlegger that, unbeknownst to him, murdered his father a decade earlier. Hutcherson will play the young man, and Franco is expected to star alongside him, possibly as the mysterious bootlegger.

The first of the two historical films, "In Dubious Battle" is expected to hit theaters later this year. Hutcherson will also appear again as Peeta Mellark in the final installation of "The Hunger Games" films, "Mockingjay: Part 2," out November 18.

Hopefully, this movie bromance will last for many years to come (no offense, Seth Rogen).