Robert De Niro is set to play pope, NME has learned.
The Taxi Driver, Godfather and Meet the Fockers star is rumoured to play Pope Pius IX, a 19th century leader of Catholics around the world. The film will be made by Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and shooting is expected to start in January.
The film will tell the story of the Catholic Church's kidnap of a six-year-old boy.
NME says it will be in direct competition with Stephen Spielberg's film which tells the exact same story with Mark Rylance playing Pope Pius IX.
The film will tell the tale of how as a child Edgardo Mortara was taken from his Jewish parents by police in Bologna, Italy, in 1857 and raised as a Catholic under Pope Pius IX's protection.
The child repeatedly asked to return home but was refused and eventually became a priest.
Pope Pius IX was born Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti and was pope from 1846 to his death in 1878.
He was the longest-reigning elected pope in the history of the Catholic Church and served for more than 31 years.
Pope Pius IX was made a saint in 2000.
Follow NEWS.am STYLE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
20:35, April 29
Nicole Kidman wears stunning gold Balenciaga dress at Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony19:21, April 29
Who will lead LVMH luxury empire? Bernard Arnault evaluates his heirs16:34, April 29
Six Senses plans to open Six Senses Residences Dubai Marina, with focus on healthy living15:16, April 29
Gerard Depardieu placed in custody on sexual assault charges13:28, April 29
Legendary actress Shirley MacLaine turns 90, shares secret of her longevity12:34, April 29
The rich have their own quirks: New York billionaire’s extravagant wedding at foot of Egypt’s Great Pyramids11:59, April 29
Khloe Kardashian's personal life takes backseat11:06, April 29
Britney Spears: My family hurt me10:40, April 29
Kim Kardashian wears ‘mob wife aesthetic’ outfit for Lo Máximo Awards 2024 ceremony18:47, April 27
Wine story: JancisRobinson.com chief editor speaks about her wine adventure in Armenia (exclusive)21:16, April 26
Burj Al Arab and Atlantis, The Palm named world’s most Instagrammable hotels20:15, April 26
Gold pocket watch recovered from body of richest passenger on Titanic up for auction