Well this is certainly an unexpected project for The Perks of Being a Wallflower writer/director Stephen Chbosky to tackle as his followup, but that probably means it's the interesting, right thing to do. Chbosky is attached to direct Santa is Real, a family musical from New Regency and Walden Media.  The script will be written by Larry Stuckey (who also wrote Little Fockers.)

This movie is actually based on a true story that will be chronicled in the upcoming book by Charles E. Hall and Bret Witter titled Santa Claus Is For Real: A True Christmas Fable About the Magic of Believing.  I didn't really think this would be the next move for Chbosky, but that's what I get for making assumptions.  Hit the jump for more on Santa is Real.

THR had the story on this new project. Here's the official synopsis for the book:

A heartwarming true-life fable from the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Santa—including his personal journey of discovering the magic of Christmas.

Every year, over a million people attend the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, where they have the pleasure of seeing Charles Edward Hall don a traditional red suit and become the world's most famous Santa Claus—a role he has played for twenty-seven straight years.

But Hall wasn’t always such a jolly old soul. Believe it or not, this Santa was once a Scrooge. For the first time, Charles tells the inspiring story of his own transformation, from a wide-eyed child who once caught a glimpse of Santa through a frosty windowpane, to a young man who lost his faith in jolly old Saint Nick.

It wasn’t until fate intervened, in the form of an unexpected role, a stage malfunction, and hundreds of letters from children, that Charles rediscovered his Christmas spirit. Ultimately, he realized Radio City was his life’s work, and that Santa isn’t just a role. He lives in the hearts of the millions who attend the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and everyone who embraces the Christmas spirit.

Santa Claus, in other words, is real. When Charles needed him most, Santa was there, with kind words and a special gift. As this delightful true-life fable proves, he is there for everyone. All it takes is a good heart, an honest joy, and a belief in the magic of Christmas.

This sounds like it could be a decent family film.  Time will tell.