How I Met Your Mother star Jason Segel has signed on to star in a Sony comedy about a Canadian maple syrup heist, which will be inspired by true events. The project will be directed by Identity Thief’s Seth Gordon.

The film will not be completely funny though, notes Deadline. Family Guy veteran Chris Sheridan’s script will be inspired by Montreal Gazette journalist Anne Sutherland’s story, which was about about $20 million worth of maple syrup being stolen from the Federation of Maple Syrup Producers in Quebec in 2012. Over 20 people have been arrested to date in connection with the heist.

Barry Josephson, Gordon and Segel will be producing the film. It is the second big comedy project for Sony reported today, following the announcement of Sausage Party, an animated comedy from Seth Rogen. Coincidentally, both projects deal with food.

No other stars are currently attached to the maple syrup project. It is likely a few years away, as Segel is currently working on Sony’s Sex Tape with Cameron Diaz for 2014.

Seth Gordon also had to recently drop out of Horrible Bosses 2 because of his packed schedule. He is a producer on ABC’s The Goldbergs, which premieres tonight.

image: CBS