'Modern Family' director boards 'Arthur'

Jason Winer, a key figure behind the ABC freshman hit "Modern Family," is set to direct "Arthur," Warner Bros.' remake of the 1981 comedy that sees Russell Brand stepping into the role originated by Dudley Moore.

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Larry Brezner is producing with Kevin McCormick and Chris Bender.

The original movie centered on a boozy playboy who is set to inherit a fortune if he marries an heiress his family thinks will make something out of him. However, he falls in love with a working-class woman and turns to his valet for help when his family makes him choose between money and love.

Peter Baynham has written the screenplay for the remake, which is being overseen by Sarah Schechter for the studio.

Scott Kroopf, J.C. Spink, Brand and Nik Linnen are exec producing.

Moore was nominated for an Oscar, as was Steve Gordon, the film's writer-director. John Gielgud, who played the valet, won the supporting actor Oscar. That role is yet to be cast. The original film also won for original song, "The Best That You Can Do."

Winer, repped by ICM and Mosaic, has directed 10 episodes of "Family," recently winning a DGA Award for his work on the pilot.