The concept comedy involves a character with a split personality: One part racist, one part bleeding-heart liberal.

The project has reportedly been gestating for some time but Ferrell has been intrigued by the script for three years, says Variety. A director is currently being sought.

Although Face is described as a comedy with mainstream appeal, Gilligan's credits--he helped create and wrote for the X-Files and is the executive producer on AMC's dark drama Breaking Bad--and the story's socially relevant hook might give the role added heft, says The Hollywood Reporter.

Gilligan has also written lighter fare, notably the screenplay for the Drew Barrymore screwball comedy Home Fries.

Ferrell's more serious turns include Marc Forster's 2006 drama Stranger Than Fiction.

The film is being eyed for a star early next year, before Ferrell's star turn with Sacha Baron Cohen in a comedy about Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson.