Hollywood: three Biblical epics planned

Charlton Heston in The Ten Commandments - 1956

Studios in Hollywood are beginning preparations for three huge Biblical film productions - based on stories from the Old Testament; Noah, and Moses,: Judas Maccabeus. On 3 October Paramount Pictures announced the start of the movie production 'Noah', starring Christian Bale.

The film will be directed by Darren Aronofsky and is reported to have the same screenwriter as 'Gladiator', William Nicholson.

Warner Bros are preparing 'Gods and Kings' about the life of Moses. Steven Spielberg has been mentioned as a possible director. Mel Gibson is involved in the Warner project on Judas Maccabeus.