George Clooney's new six-part adaptation of Joseph Heller's classic novel Catch-22 will air next year on Channel 4.

Clooney, who co-executive produced and co-directed the series, will play career-orientated training commander Scheisskopf.

Hugh Laurie will play Major de Coverley, described as an "ominous, incomprehensible presence" in the book.

If you're unfamiliar, the story follows American Air Force pilot John Yossarian, who'll be played by Christopher Abbott from Girls.

Yossarian wants to finish his service and get out of the military, but is driven slowly mad - and the rule which states that pilots can get out of flying due to insanity also states that insanity through fear is a rational emotion, so 'insane' pilots are actually fit to fly.

Clooney's described the whole endeavour as "very exciting", and Ian Katz, Director of Programmes of Channel 4 agrees: “It’s hard to imagine a work that speaks more directly to the frequently absurd times we live in, and to the growing sense of individual distrust of institutions, than Catch-22.”

The exciting new series will be shot in Rome and Sardinia, beginning this month.