James Franco is set for a starring role back on the small screen as he has joined the TV adaptation of Stephen King’s 11/22/63.

The 127 Hours star will play the lead role of high school English teacher Jake Epping, who travels back in time to try to prevent the assassination of US President John F Kennedy, according to E! News.

But Jake hasn’t reckoned with the perils of having to take on sniper Lee Harvey Oswald, falling in love, and the struggle of changing a past which doesn’t want to be changed.

James Franco
James Franco (Ian West/PA)

It is based on horror author Stephen’s best-selling 2011 novel and will air on US channel Hulu as a nine-hour series.

James’ previous TV work has included Freaks And Geeks, The Mindy Project, General Hospital and 30 Rock.

No launch date has been announced yet for 11/22/63.