A new movie about the life of the Muslim Prophet Mohammad is in the works.

The Messenger Of Peace is a remake of Moustapha Akkad's acclaimed 1977 film The Message, which starred Anthony Quinn.

"We have only the utmost respect for Akkad's work but technology in cinema has advanced since the 1970s," producer Oscar Zoghbi told Reuters. "This latest project will employ modern film techniques in its renewal of the first film's core messages."

Scriptwriter Ramsey Thomas added: "In the 21st century there is a real need for a film that emotionally engages audiences on the journey that led to the birth of Islam."