Bryan Singer 'to develop 2012 miniseries'

Bryan Singer has started work on a 2012-based miniseries for the Syfy network, it has been reported.

The X-Men director is to team with producer Andrew Dean to produce the as-yet-untitled six-hour project based on the 2012 apocalyptic prophecies, which emanate from the end of the Mayan calendar on December 21 of that year, Sci-Fi Wire reports.

The plot has been described as a "thrilling action adventure story blending scientific fact and myth", and is said to be similar in tone to The Da Vinci Code.

The television movie is being written by The Chronicles Of Narnia scribe Michael Petroni and Passengers writer Michael Bond.

"I have always been fascinated by the various myths and conspiracy theories surrounding the Mayan calendar," Singer said in a statement. "It's the most accurate calendar created by man, so accurate that many believe its origins may lie elsewhere."

He added: "Our story will explore whether we are truly alone in the universe, and other related mysteries, all of which are set against the backdrop of an incredibly exciting and fast-paced adventure."

Meanwhile, director Roland Emmerich's upcoming movie 2012 surrounds similar events and opens in cinemas on November 13.

Singer recently said that he regretted leaving the X-Men franchise.