Paramount Makes It Official: Aronofsky To Direct 'Noah'

After reported negotiations, CraveOnline reports Paramount Pictures have officially announced that Oscar-nominated director Darren Aronofsky ("Black Swan") will direct New Regency Productions' Old Testament epic "Noah."

Aronofsky, who's also garnered dramatic acclaim for "Pi," "Requiem For A Dream" and "The Wrestler," will direct from a script re-written from Aronofsky and Ari Handel's draft by another Oscar nominee, "Gladiator" and "The Aviator" writer John Long. Aronofsky and Scott Franklin will produce the picture.

"Since I was a kid, I have been moved and inspired by the story of Noah and his family's journey," Aronofsky said. "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."

It could be a significant couple years for telling some of the most important stories in Judeo-Christian theology to theaters.

Warner Bros. has been at work to bring to life two of the Jewish faith's most revered figures.

The studio has expressed interest in bringing to theaters an adaptation of the story of Jewish here Judah Maccabee directed by "The Passion Of The Christ" and "Braveheart" director Mel Gibson. The studio is also eyeing filming a life-story of Moses that goes beyond Cecil B. Demille's 1956 classic "The Ten Commandments" to tell the Old Testament figure's complete story from his early life, thru his realization of the Hebrews' persecution under Pharaoh and into his delivering the Hebrew slaves into the Promised Land of Israel.