First announced last year, Warner Bros. has plans to bring to the screen the life story of Pontius Pilate, the 1st century Roman prefect who authorized the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Today, Deadline reports that Brad Pitt is eyeing the leading role.

The screenplay, from Woman on Top and Tortilla Soup screenwriter Vera Blasi, is said to offer a human look at the religious figure and, according to Blasi, is primarily based in historical fact, detailing Pilate's life up until the fateful order.

Blasi also supplied the screenplay for the upcoming historical drama Emperor, set to be directed by Peter Webber.

Pitt most recently appeared in Killing Them Softly and can soon be seen on the big screen in Marc Forster's World War Z.

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