Neil Patrick Harris to Star in Netflix's 'A Series of Unfortunate Events'

Neil Patrick Harris is about to undergo A Series of Unfortunate Events. And that's a good thing.

The gay actor will star in the upcoming Netflix series based on the popular children's books by Daniel Handler, also known by his pen name Lemony Snicket, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Harris, 42, will portray Count Olaf, a shady character who is the caretaker of three orphans. As these children search for answers about the death of their parents, Olaf schemes to steal their inheritance.

The role was previously played by Jim Carrey in a 2004 film of the same name. The movie's director, Brad Silberling, will also direct the Netflix show.

A Series of Unfortunate Events marks a return to television for Harris, who was previously on the popular CBS series How I Met Your Mother and NBC's Best Time Ever, a variety show hosted by Harris that was canceled after one season due to low ratings.

The 13-episode Netflix show does not yet have a premiere date. Its planned showrunner, True Blood's Mark Hudis, recently exited the project.