Boorman to revive Hadrian epic

John Boorman is to make his long-planned movie about Roman Emperor Hadrian.

The British director has been attempting to get the project off the ground for at least ten years and once described it as his "impossible film".

UK-based Handmade Films has now agreed to fund the movie, which is expected to cost up to £30 million, alongside Italian firm Olympus.

Boorman told Variety: "The project says so much about the nature of empire, leadership and human aspiration. The time of Hadrian marked both the height of the Roman empire and the beginning of its decline. It's the irony of his rule."

The movie will focus on the reign of the Emperor, who built Hadrian's Wall between England and Scotland. It is scheduled to begin filming in Morocco, Rome and Spain next spring.

Producers are now searching for a big name to play the title role.

Boorman's previous credits include Deliverance, The Emerald Forest and Point Blank.