A Street Cat Named Bob film going ahead - Luke Treadway cast as lead

James Bowen with Bob the street cat

A STREET CAT NAMED BOB is being made into a film with Brit actor Luke Treadaway playing former homeless drug addict James Bowen who turned his life around with the help of a stray street cat called Bob.

The incredible true life tale of James Bowen and Bob is being made into a big budget film when shooting stars in October.

British actor Luke Treadway will star in the story of a homeless man and his adopted stray cat.

In 2007 James Bowen was living in sheltered accommodation on a methadone programme, having previously been a homeless drug addict.

Bob has become a bit of a diva, says James

His relationship with stray moggie Bob changed his life forever when James became a regular sight on the London busking circuit with Bob perched in his customary place on his shoulder. The Islington Gazette picked up on the story and published a column about the popular pair, which lead to a book deal.

A Street Cat Named Bob: And How He Saved My Life became an international success. It has sold four million copies worldwide and been translated into over 30 languages.

The announcement of a big screen adaptation is "the icing on the cake," says Bowen. 

Luke Treadaway is swapping Hollywood for homelessness in the new film

News News Blog online interviewed James last year.

In our exclusive chat, he talked movingly about his "absolutely terrifying" first night sleeping rough and how his chance meeting with Bob transformed his life.

He revealed that fame has gone to the head of his feline friend.

"Bob has become a bit of a diva," he laughed.

"He loves sitting there during book signings knowing there is 300 people queuing round the block."

James also talked about his joy at the upcoming big screen adaptation.

"The icing on the cake came when we were approached to turn the book into a Hollywood film," he said.

"Since then I’ve been having conversations with the director, helping to shape the screenplay and of course, ensuring that Bob gets his time to shine (Bob will feature in the film)."

It's unconfirmed whether Bob will play himself in the film, but rising star Treadaway seems a strong choice to play James.

The 30-year-old is most famous for big screen blockbusters like Clash of the Titans, Attack the Block and Unbroken.

His twin brother Harry is currently starring in Sky one's hit Gothic