Christopher Columbus' 1492 Pictures and CJ Entertainment have acquired the film rights to Anne Rice's novel "Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt," reports Variety. The book is described as follows:

Having completed the two cycles of legend to which she has devoted her career so far, Anne Rice gives us now her most ambitious and courageous book, a novel about the early years of CHRIST THE LORD, based on the Gospels and on the most respected New Testament scholarship.

The book's power derives from the passion its author brings to the writing and the way in which she summons up the voice, the presence, the words of Jesus who tells the story.

Cyrus Nowrasteh will direct from a screenplay he wrote with Betsy Nowrasteh. Columbus will produce along with Michael Barnathan and Mark Radcliffe through 1492 Pictures with Sean Lee, Patricia Chun and Keo Lee producing through CJ Entertainment.

"This film has the potential to be a cinematic classic, a picture that will appeal to all ages, all around the world," Columbus said. "I am proud to be part of this incredible production."