Steven Spielberg Will Direct The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara

Following on the heels of Ready Player One, Steven Spielberg’s next project will see him directing the big screen adaptation of David Kertzer’s The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara.

The religious drama, which Spielberg has been attached to since 2008, tells the controversial real-life story of a 6-year-old Italian Jew who, after being taken from his parents in 1858, was eventually raised as Catholic and became a priest.

The project will see reunions between Spielberg, Mark Rylance and Tony Kushner. Rylance will star as Pope Pius IX, while Kushner will pen the script. Spielberg, along with Marc Platt and Kristie Macoskio, will produce.

Rylance has previously worked with Spielberg on Bridge of Spies and the upcoming screen adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The BFG. Spielberg and Kushner’s previous work together includes Lincoln and Munich.

Kertzer’s book was first published back in 1997. The film is expected to start shooting in early 2017.