Things are about to get very messy for Matthew Perry.  The former Friends star is set to co-write, executive produce and star in The Odd Couple, a new take on an old story set up as a comedy series at CBS.  Originally a 1965 Neil Simon Broadway play that starred Walter Matthau and Art Carney as two polar opposite roommates, the property also spawned a 1968 movie and a TV series that ran for five seasons starting in 1970.  Perry will star as the slovenly Oscar Madison, and will co-write the series with comedy veteran, Danny Jacobson.  Hit the jump for more.

Deadline reports that Perry is on board The Odd Couple, although the role of neatnik Felix Ungar is not yet set.  For Perry, getting involved with The Odd Couple has been a lifelong dream.  Here's what he had to say:

“Ever since seeing the movie The Odd Couple when I was 10 years old, it has been a dream for me to play Oscar Madison.  To be given the opportunity to develop a modern version of it for CBS has put a permanent smile across my face. I met up with a wonderful writing partner in Danny Jacobson. We both have such a passion for the source material that we have instantly become obsessed with making this great. Plus, I think it’s time for me to be in front of a live audience again. I miss that. The search for Felix Ungar is on!”

There have been quite a few iterations based on The Odd Couple, so let's hope Perry and Jacobson attempt to bring something fresh to the table.