'Noah': Darren Aronofsky's Biblical epic finds backing

For the past few years, Darren Aronofsky has been hoping to make an ambitious big-screen version of the Biblical story of Noah’s Ark, and now the Black Swan director has found the backing to set his big-budget project afloat.

Paramount and New Regency jointly announced today that the two companies will team up to produce Aronofsky’s Noah, and have brought John Logan (Gladiator) on board to rewrite the script Aronofsky co-wrote with Ari Handel. “Since I was a kid, I have been moved and inspired by the story of Noah and his family’s journey,” Aronofsky said in a statement. “The imaginations of countless generations have sparked to this epic story of faith. It’s my hope that I can present a window into Noah’s passion and perseverance for the silver screen.”

No casting has been announced yet, but Aronofsky — who dropped out of directing the Wolverine sequel this past March, citing family reasons — was reported earlier this year to be in talks with Christian Bale about playing Noah. Filming is slated to begin next spring.