Frankie Muniz will star in the upcoming independent drama “The Black String,” with filming starting next month in Los Angeles.

Muniz is best known for playing the title character in Fox’s “Malcolm in the Middle” for seven seasons. Following the final season in 2006, he has only taken a handful of roles in TV shows and movies in order to pursue his passion for race cars and real estate.

Brian Hanson is directing “The Black String” from his own script, co-written with Richard Handley, who also serves as producer. The story centers on a lonely art school dropout named Jonathan whose life begins to unravel after a reckless sexual encounter with a mysterious woman — and while friends and family believe he’s losing his mind, Jonathan is convinced something far more sinister is at hand.

Muniz’ feature credits include “My Dog Skip” and the two “Agent Cody Banks” movies. He also starred in Shawn Levy’s cult comedy classic “Big Fat Liar” opposite Amanda Bynes, and is currently in discussions to develop a television series for next pilot season.

Muniz started driving race cars in 2004, and competed as part of several top auto teams including Pacific Coast Motor Sports and Stargate Worlds before being sidelined by injuries.

Muniz is repped by APA, Link Entertainment, and attorney Geoff Oblath.