Photo: WENN.com

Michael Fassbender is set to star in a new film inspired by Manchester comedian and musician Frank Sidebottom, according to reports out today.

Fassbender, who starred in Prometheus earlier this year, will star in Film4 production Frank, which was written by journalist and film maker Jon Ronson. Ronson himself spent three years in Frank Sidebottom's Oh Blimey Big Band.

Sidebottom is a cult icon on the Manchester scene, immediately recognisable for his oversized papier mache head. Chris Sievey, the man behind the character, passed away in 2010.

Film4 describe the production, which will also star Harry Potter actor Domhnall Gleeson, as: "In the strange world of the 1980s musical subculture, one man stands out as the strangest of them all. Frank tells the story of a hidden musical master and the disciple who loves him so much he might just have to destroy him. Frank - a mystery inside an enigma inside a large plastic head."

However, Ronson has responded to reports that Fassbender is essentially making a Sidebottom biopic and replied via Twitter.

Posting online, Ronson wrote: "It's not a film about Frank Sidebottom!" Ronson tweeted. "It's totally made up and - whilst inspired by Frank - is inspired by other people too. Daniel Johnston and Captain Beefheart are other inspirations."

Michael Fassbender made the headlines earlier this year after revealing he is a secret metal fan and loves listening to Slayer and Metallica when he is not acting.