Movies News

Denzel Washington working with Hughes bros. on ‘Book of Eli’

By Patrick Luce Sep 5, 2008, 11:37 GMT

Denzel Washington - 9th Annual Harold Pump Foundation Charity Gala - Arrivals - Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel - Beverly Hills, CA, USA © Kevin Terrell / PR Photos

Denzel Washington has signed to star in the Hughes bros.’ post-apocalyptic drama "Book of Eli."

Variety reports the film will be financed by Alcon Entertainment and distributed by Warner Bros. The film is based on a script from Gary Whitta with a rewrite from Anthony Peckham.

Joel Silver is handling producing chores on the film with Washington, Susan Downey, Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson. It is scheduled to start shooting in January.

In the film, Washington will take on the role of a lone hero who has to fight his way across an apocalyptic America to bring the world knowledge that could save it.

The actor is set to return to the big screen with John Travolta for the Tony Scott-directed "The Taking of Pelham 123."

“Book of Eli” will be the Hughes bros. first drama since they took on Jack the Ripper in 2001's "From Hell" with Johnny Depp.