Robert Downey Jr. is looking to star as legendary defence attorney Perry Mason in a new adaptation of the 1930s novels, reports Variety.

There was a more famous TV series than ran on US television the late 50's and early 60's that starred Raymond Burr, and that's where most people will recognise the name from. Downey came up with the story for the new version along with his wife's former assistant and now producer, David Gambino - while Susan Downey will also be involved making it a family affair.

There is no director attached yet, and producers are currently looking for a screenwriter to bash out a draft that everyone would be happy with. But if Downey Jr wants to get something made nowadays, it should be pretty straight forward.