The project has been in the pipeline under the working title of The Redemption Of Cain for some time and Deadline reports it has been confirmed as a directing vehicle for Will, who is expected to star in the film as well.

In the Bible, Cain and Abel are both sons of Adam, but when Abel is shown more favour by God, Cain becomes jealous and kills his brother.

Will has been a producer on all of his most recent films and has been looking to get into directing for some time.

If he does sign up to Cain and Abel it will not be his next project. Emma Thompson and Jay-Z have written a modern version of Annie for Will's daughter Willow to star in, which he will be producing.

Biblical stories are currently hot property in Hollywood.

Darren Aronofsky is about to begin work on Noah with Russell Crowe, and directors Steven Spielberg and Ridley Scott both have Moses projects in the pipeline.