The trades are reporting that David Strathaim, Alan Alda, Jeff Daniels, Mary-Louise Parker and Paul Rudd have joined the cast of biopic Howl.

The film, created by documentarians Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman, is set in the 1950s, following the obscenity trial launched to censor Allen Ginsberg’s book-length poem. The Epstein & Friedman duo make their writing, producing and directing debut on this project.

James Franco is set to play Ginsberg, with the recently added cast to play various real-life characters including the prosecuting attorney, prosecution witness, radio personality as well as literary critic.

(pictured: Allen Ginsberg)